MOUD in the justice system

Overcoming Barriers to MOUD in the Justice System

Court-involved individuals with opioid use disorder face serious barriers to accessing lifesaving medications. This blog examines the research behind these challenges—such as stigma, provider bias, cost, and restrictive policies—and outlines actionable reforms to improve access to MOUD in court and probation settings.
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Treatment Courts for OUD

How Treatment Courts Can Transform OUD Recovery

The opioid crisis has had a profound impact on the criminal justice system, with many individuals struggling with opioid use disorder (OUD) coming into frequent contact with police, courts, and jails. Despite the well-documented effectiveness of Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD), treatment gaps persist within the justice system. A recent study of high-overdose county
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Veteran Treatment Court Mentors

Ethical Boundaries for Veteran Treatment Court Mentors

The Role of a Mentor in VTCs At its core, a Veteran Treatment Court (VTC) mentor serves as a trusted peer and supporter of veteran participants (mentors), guiding them through the court process and connecting them with the necessary resources. Their primary obligations include engaging with and encouraging mentees, assisting them in resolving personal or
Trauma-Informed Justice

Trauma-Informed Justice: Enhancing Procedural Fairness in the Courtroom

The connection between trauma-informed justice practices and procedural fairness is profound. By adhering to the principles of procedural fairness, courts can create an environment where individuals feel safe, heard, and supported. Judges must recognize that trauma is often invisible and can affect how litigants engage with the legal system. People with trauma histories may react
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admissibility of scientific evidence

Understanding the Admissibility of Scientific Evidence in Court

Have you ever heard of the “Daubert/Frye” test? The apparent merging of the Frye and Daubert standards reflects a certain confusion that exists on the appropriate legal standard for the admissibility of scientific evidence, particularly in criminal cases. While the standard for the admission of scientific evidence can vary widely from federal courts to state courts and from state to
  • Published in Law
FRE 702 and the Daubert Trilogy

FRE 702 and the Daubert Trilogy: A Turning Point for Criminal Cases

Federal Rule of Evidence 702 is undergoing changes that could finally bring the Daubert Trilogy fully into criminal courts. This blog explores how the amendments aim to strengthen judicial gatekeeping and ensure forensic evidence is evaluated using a consistent, evidence-based standard across all cases.
  • Published in Law
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International Human Rights

Championing International Human Rights: Morton Kjaerum and the Raoul Wallenberg Institute

Morton Kjaerum discusses the Raoul Wallenberg Institute’s global efforts in inclusion, access to justice, and human rights. He highlights corruption and authoritarianism as threats to progress.
Judicial Education

Joy Lyngar: Elevating Judicial Education for a Just Society

Joy Lyngar, Provost of the National Judicial College, discusses the importance of judicial education, the NJC's global impact, and her vision as NASJE's incoming president.
trauma-informed justice

Trauma-Informed Justice: A Better Approach for Courts

Trauma is pervasive in the justice system, yet often misunderstood. This blog explores trauma-informed justice, its roots in PTSD research, and how courts can adopt compassionate, effective approaches. Learn how procedural fairness and a shift from fear-based sentencing can transform lives and improve public safety.
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alcohol use disorders in the workplace

Alcohol Use Disorders in the Workplace: A Business Risk

Alcohol use disorders in the workplace are more common than many employers realize. With high risks to safety, productivity, and liability, this blog explores how alcohol abuse impacts businesses and outlines five practical steps employers can take to create a drug-free and safer work environment.
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