Supreme Court Committee to Study Race and Gender Bias

HARRISBURG, October 15, 1999 — Chief Justice of Pennsylvania John P. Flaherty today announced the creation of a supreme court committee on racial and gender bias within Pennsylvania’s court system. After study and evaluation, a recommendation to the court will be made.

"I am pleased that Pennsylvania is taking this step, and look forward to a review of these issues that promises to be both productive and enriching," Chief Justice Flaherty said. "This is another example of how much we value the need to maintain public trust and confidence in our effective judicial system."

The advisory committee will be chaired by Duquesne University Law School Dean Nicholas P. Cafardi and its ranks will be filled with distinguished representatives from across the state, including members of the bench and bar, educators and citizen activists. Its membership includes:

• Nicholas P. Cafardi, Dean and Professor of Law, Duquesne University Law School, Pittsburgh.

• The Honorable Ida K. Chen, a Philadelphia Common Pleas Court judge.

• Andre L. Dennis, an attorney in private practice in Philadelphia and former Philadelphia Bar Association chancellor.

• The Honorable Nelson A. Diaz, a former Philadelphia Common Pleas Court judge.

• Charisse R. Lillie, an attorney in private practice in Philadelphia.

• Lynn A. Marks, Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts executive director, Philadelphia.

• Burton D. Morris, an attorney in private practice in Harrisburg.

• The Rev. Msgr. David A. Rubino, Gannon University president, Erie.

• Louis N. Teti, an attorney in private practice from Exton, Chester County, and also Pennsylvania Bar Association president.

Supreme Court Order Establishing the Committee on Racial and Gender Bias in the Justice System