Courtroom Observer
ORGANIZATION: Utah Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission
Please visit the new page to apply.
Be a part of keeping voters informed and provide judges with the necessary feedback for improving the judiciary!
Court observers from outside the court system observe and evaluate judges on procedural fairness principles. Research shows that the fairness has a positive impact on the community at large.
Our observers
- Complete training on court structure, calendaring and Procedural Fairness
- Observe in court (virtually or in-person) on their own
- Reflect on their experience in written narrative (6 open-ended questions)
- Complete 6 or more evaluation reports per year
Our reports
- Reports are qualitative evaluations & complement the quantitative surveys of court insiders
- Procedural Fairness principles (Neutrality, Respect, Voice, Trust) are the focus of reports
- Information is shared with judges and voters
Volunteers can benefit from:
- Thoughtfully evaluating the performance of their government officers
- Promoting democratic values through citizen participation
- Writing for a specific audience and purpose
- Learning about evidence-based practices that can effect real social change
- Critically reflecting on their new experience
1 More opportunity with Utah Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission
Opportunities
About Utah Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission
Location:
Utah State Capitol Complex, Senate Building, E-330, Salt Lake City, UT 84114, US
Mission Statement
Courtroom Observation Program Utah’s Courtroom Observation Program gives volunteers from the community a chance to participate in the evaluation of state court judges. JPEC first trains volunteers on the value of procedural fairness in the court context and then volunteers observe court. Observers record both what they see and their personal responses to what they see as it relates to procedural fairness. The courtroom observation reports are sent to judges and are included in the judge’s evaluation report.
Description
The Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission was established by the Utah State Legislature in 2008 to help voters get to know their judges. Its goals are to collect and disseminate valid information about each judge's performance so that voters may make informed decisions about whether or not to retain that judge in office; To provide judges with useful feedback about their performance so that they may become better judges; To promote public accountability of Utah’s judges while ensuring that the judiciary continues to operate as an independent branch of government.
CAUSE AREAS
WHEN
WHERE
Anywhere In UtahUT 84114
DATE POSTED
November 12, 2024
SKILLS
- Literacy / Reading
- Reading / Writing
- Basic Computer Skills
GOOD FOR
- People 55+
REQUIREMENTS
- Must be at least 18
- Orientation or Training
- 5 - 10 hours a month
- Must not have any pending legal cases in the State of Utah. Must be able to read, write, and listen in English.