New project aims to detect and address bias in NY State courts

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — There’s a new project underway designed to detect and address implicit bias and systemic racism in New York State courts. It’s called the judicial observation project.

The United Christian Leadership Ministry of Western New York and the seventh judicial district of New York courts have partnered in the creation and implementation of the pilot program.

It’s been in the planning stages since 2020.

"The project is not a panacea to solve and resolve all systemic problems but is a first step forward in bringing judges and community members together,” said Rev. Lewis Stewart, president of the United Christian Leadership Ministry.

Volunteer judges and community members are working together to identify and better understand how implicit biases manifest in the criminal justice system. Currently, 14 trained observers and five judges are participating.