New Mexico Supreme Court Announces Judicial Speakers’ Bureau

By all accounts, we could use a lot more in the way of civics education to provide citizens with a better understanding of how government works and what their role is in assuring it functions effectively. A new program of the New Mexico Supreme Court will help on that score. Chief Justice Edward L. Chávez has announced the launch of the New Mexico Judicial Speakers’ Bureau. The Bureau will function as a new community outreach program that will allow community organizations and classroom students to hear directly from judges on topics related to the judiciary.

“Every day courts impact the lives of New Mexicans as judges deal with the aftermath of crimes, afflictions, addictions, failed or failing personal and business relationships, said Chief Justice Chávez in a press release on the new program. "Through the Judicial Speakers’ Bureau, we hope to foster communications between judges and the community and to educate the public about the role of the courts in our democracy and the importance of judicial independence to that democracy.”

The judiciary website includes a list of judges who have volunteered to participate in the Judicial Speakers’ Bureau. Schools, community groups, civic organizations and professional organizations wishing to arrange for a judge to speak to their organization should submit a request to the contact listed for that judge at least one month in advance of the requested appearance. Judges participate as their schedules permit and at no cost.

A partial list of topics includes the role of the courts and how the courts impact the community; judicial independence; the critical role each citizen of the community plays in our democracy by participating in jury services; and civil and criminal proceedings. Judges are bound by the Code of Judicial Conduct and are not permitted to speak on certain topics, such as pending cases.