Dr. Rashid Muhammad’s Impactful Oral Testimony at the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission
JustCause Director of Community Partnerships, Dr. Rashid Muhammad, delivered an insightful oral testimony at the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission, a gathering designed to address critical issues surrounding jury diversification and participation. We were honored to be invited to speak at this event, which brought together a diverse cross section of the legal community, including former jurors, jurists, Commissioners of Jurors, community organizations, bar associations, and various civil and criminal legal organizations. The oral testimony was by invitation only, underscoring its significance in shaping the future of New York’s judicial system.
The Importance of the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission
The Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission is dedicated to promoting diversity and equity within the New York State judicial system. By examining the experiences of jurors and stakeholders, the Commission aims to identify barriers to jury participation and propose actionable solutions. The upcoming Jury Report will encapsulate the findings from these hearings, aiming to foster greater inclusivity in jury selection processes throughout the state.
Dr. Rashid Muhammad’s Contribution
In his testimony, Dr. Muhammad spoke candidly about the prevalent mistrust in the judicial system, particularly within marginalized communities. This mistrust of the justice system negatively affects jury participation among historically marginalized communities.
Dr. Muhammad emphasized that trust is earned, and trust-building takes time and requires investment. He explained that agencies like JustCause are at the forefront of building community trust in the legal system by actively listening to community members and acting upon their feedback, and by actively working to increase representation in spaces in which marginalized communities have been historically underrepresented.
Looking Ahead
As the Commission prepares to publish its Jury Report, the implications of Dr. Muhammad’s testimony, along with those of other speakers, will undoubtedly resonate throughout the legal community and beyond. The hope is that these efforts will lead to a more equitable judicial system.
Dr. Rashid Muhammad’s contributions serve as a reminder of the vital role that engaged citizens play in shaping justice. His testimony encourages continued dialogue and collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure that jury service reflects the diverse fabric of New York State.
As the Commission moves forward, we hope the insights shared during this hearing will serve as a foundation for meaningful change. We are grateful for the opportunity to be part of this important conversation and look forward to seeing the impact of these collective efforts.