Court eliminates separate fairness and diversity training for judges
'These principles will be pursued in part by ensuring that mandatory Florida Judicial College courses for new judges continue to emphasize the Code of Judicial Conduct,' which imposes obligations centered on judicial professionalism, procedural fairness, and nondiscrimination
Citing recent policy and rule changes regarding continuing judicial ethics training that emphasize “the foundational principles of civility, due process, and equal justice under law,” the Supreme Court has eliminated a requirement that new judges attend a separate, daylong training on fairness and diversity.
“These principles will be pursued in part by ensuring that mandatory Florida Judicial College courses for new judges continue to emphasize the Code of Judicial Conduct,” Chief Justice Carlos Muñiz wrote in an administrative order. “The Code imposes obligations centered on judicial professionalism, procedural fairness, and nondiscrimination in the court system.”
Issued February 2, In Re: Standing Committee on Diversity, AOSC23-7, also dissolves the Standing Committee on Diversity.
The committee has been engaged in a variety of activities since it was created in 2004 by an administrative order, Muñiz notes.
“Over the past decade, the Committee’s work has focused principally on education-related issues, especially the mandatory diversity training that the Court has now discontinued,” the order states.
Muñiz stressed that the Florida Judicial College — overseen by the Florida Court Education Council — “will ensure that new judges receive robust training in professionalism and nondiscrimination.” Perpetuating a committee dedicated to “overlapping issues” risks “inconsistency and duplication of efforts,” the order states.
After declaring the committee “dissolved and concluded,” Muñiz said the justices were grateful “to all committee members for their dedicated service.”
