Words Matter for the District of Columbia Courts Act

Bill 118 s 3698, also known as the Words Matter for the District of Columbia Courts Act, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main purpose of this bill is to update and modernize the language used in the District of Columbia courts to be more inclusive and respectful.

Specifically, the bill aims to replace outdated and potentially offensive terms such as "minority" and "handicapped" with more appropriate and respectful language. This includes using terms like "person of color" and "person with a disability" instead.

The bill also seeks to ensure that all court documents and communications are written in a way that is clear and easily understood by all individuals, regardless of their background or level of education. This is intended to improve access to justice for all residents of the District of Columbia. Overall, the Words Matter for the District of Columbia Courts Act is a bipartisan effort to promote inclusivity and respect in the language used within the District of Columbia courts. It is currently being reviewed by Congress and may be voted on in the near future.