The essence of work in social justice is the commitment to adopt, create and support equitable opportunities for everyone. But as judges, the issue is how to accomplish this end and maintain integrity, impartiality, and independence.

First, before we can begin to address the role of judges in ensuring intentional justice, we must identify the barriers in speech and conduct that may interfere with achieving the desired result. We all have biases that form the foundation of what we say and what we do. Bias, both implicit, looms over and within us as a hidden barrier. Have you taken time to identify what makes you tick or more importantly, what ticks you off?

Second, armed with individual insight, we can begin to identify and work to address institutional barriers that may exist to impede much of might otherwise be desired. This systematic examination may lead some “speak up” or others to “act up” to adopt, create and support equitable opportunities for everyone. Procedural justice speaks to four principles, often referred to as the four pillars: 1) being fair in processes, 2) being transparent in actions, 3) providing opportunity for voice, and 4) being impartial in decision making. Where will you focus your attention and intentions to ensure procedural fairness?

Finally, the task before us is to address systemic racial and social injustice that can appear enormous and insurmountable. We can begin by identifying actual speech and conduct that we can adopt, create, or join to practice intentional justice.