trauma-informed judges

Why Trauma-Informed Judges Are Essential for Justice

Judges who understand trauma are better equipped to create fair courtroom experiences. This blog explores how trauma impacts litigants and why being trauma-informed enhances procedural fairness, improves comprehension of court orders, and fosters trust. With high trauma rates among court participants, informed judicial practice is not optional—it’s essential.
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Benchbook for Family Courts

New Bench Book for Family Courts on Substance Use Disorders

The University of Baltimore School of Law Sayra and Neil Meyerhoff Center for Families, Children and the Courts (CFCC) announces the availability for purchase of its Benchbook for Family Courts on Substance Use Disorders, Second Edition (Benchbook). 
  • Published in Law
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Veterans Treatment Court mentors

Mentors in Veterans Treatment Courts: Roles, Rules, and Relationships

Veterans Treatment Court mentors play a vital role by providing peer support to justice-involved veterans. This blog explores their responsibilities, boundaries, and qualifications, distinguishing them from court staff and treatment professionals while highlighting how strong mentor relationships help participants succeed in treatment, sobriety, and community reintegration.
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Veterans Treatment Courts

Veterans Treatment Courts—Why They Matter

May is National Drug Court Awareness Month. This blog explores the evolution of Drug Treatment Courts into Veterans Treatment Courts (VTCs), how they address justice-involved veterans' unique needs, and their role in reducing recidivism. VTCs foster recovery through team-based approaches that connect veterans to VA services and supportive interventions.
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alcohol testing for impaired drivers

Alcohol Testing for Impaired Drivers: Best Practices in Supervision

Effective alcohol testing for impaired drivers is a cornerstone of evidence-based supervision. This blog explores why testing matters, how to identify client needs, and how to implement best practices using technologies like IIDs and PAMs. When done right, testing is about support, accountability, and long-term change.
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Judge Peggy Fulton Hora

The Passing of a Giant

Judge Peggy Fulton Hora, a founder of JSI and a trailblazer in drug courts and therapeutic jurisprudence, leaves a powerful legacy of global justice reform. Her work, from Alameda County to Australia, changed lives, inspired courts, and continues to impact judicial education and policy worldwide.
  • Published in Law
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Jeff Sauter Treatment Court Award

JSI VP David J. Wallace Receives Jeff Sauter Treatment Court Award

At the PAAM Annual Conference, JSI Vice President David J. Wallace was honored with the Jeff Sauter Treatment Court Award, recognizing his outstanding contributions to treatment courts. Wallace’s extensive career includes leadership in Sobriety Courts, the National Center of DWI Courts, and co-founding JSI, reflecting his dedication to community safety.
  • Published in Law
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Community Supervision: An Essential Part of Treatment Courts

By: Helen Harberts, Guest Author  Persons suffering from substance use disorders do not just suffer during government hours!  Indeed, they often suffer more when they are not receiving treatment and attention from the team.   Recovery is difficult and it takes a long time.  Supervision works in the community, not just in the Court or the

Incentives In Your Treatment Courts: Are You Focused On The Right Thing?

By: Helen Harberts, Guest Author Most treatment courts are well aware of the importance of responding to participant behavior in a swift and certain manner. Reliable detection of good behavior and undesired behavior, with rapid responses, is the most effective form of behavior modification in the treatment court population. Most treatment courts know that severity
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Rule of law in Afghanistan

Rule of Law in Afghanistan: A Judicial Training Mission

Judge Mark Atkinson recounts his 15-day mission to Kabul, Afghanistan, where he worked with international partners to develop a strategic training plan for the judiciary. Amid armored convoys and fortified compounds, he witnessed the resilience of a court system striving for reform under the challenging realities of a post-conflict nation.