For Immediate Release, June 18, 2013
Contact: Mary L. Smith (202) 236-0339
NNABA ATTENDS WHITE HOUSE MEETING
ON JUDICIAL NOMINATIONS
NO AMERICAN INDIANS CURRENTLY ON THE FEDERAL JUDICIARY
Phoenix, AZ. — On June 5, 2013, National Native American Bar Association (NNABA) Treasurer and Co-Chair of NNABA’s Judicial Review Committee Lawrence Baca met with White House officials along with community and organizational leaders from around the country to discuss the judicial vacancy crisis that has left over 80 courts vacant and 32 judicial emergencies across the country. Out of 874 Article III judgeships, there are currently no American Indians.
Additionally, NNABA and the other participants met with personnel from key senatorial offices to encourage the senate to move swiftly to hold hearings and vote on individuals after they are nominated by the President to help cure the judicial crises in America where one in ten judicial positions are presently unfilled.
Founded in 1973, NNABA serves as the national association for American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian attorneys, judges, law professors and law students. NNABA strives for justice and effective legal representation for all American indigenous peoples; fosters the development of Native American lawyers and judges; and addresses social, cultural and legal issues affecting American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians.
NNABA has launched an “Increase Natives and Tribal Court Judges in the Judiciary” initiative.
For more information contact 480-727-0420 or visit www.nativeamericanbar.org.