supportive housing for recovery

Supportive Housing for Recovery: A Key to Treatment Court Success

By Judge Brian MacKenzie (Ret.) and Judge Harvey Hoffman (Ret.) Introduction Prescription opiate and heroin abuse has reached epidemic proportions.  Increasing numbers of individuals with prescription opiate and heroin use disorders are finding their way into the Criminal Justice System. Specialty Courts have proven themselves to be an effective response in addressing substance use disorders of
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Veteran Treatment Court racial equity

Black Words Matter: Racial Equity in Veteran Treatment Court Policies

Without Change, the Absence of Race Within Veteran Treatment Court Policies Will Continue to Destructively Impact African American Veterans Veteran Treatment Courts (VTCs), one of several treatment court models, all create policies that govern their programs. VTCs are not impervious to acts that discriminate against African American veterans who are either participants or eligible to participate
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A Trauma-Informed Court Starts with Procedural Fairness

The core of being an effective trial court judge is to be a judge who has insight and can effectively manage her or his own emotions as well as the emotions of the others in the courtroom.
World Day of Remembrance

World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims

In October 2005, the United Nations recognized the third Sunday of November as “the appropriate acknowledgment for victims of road traffic crashes and their families” and declared it as World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. #WDoR2022
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Rule of Law

Building a Just World: Elizabeth Anderson on Advancing the Rule of Law

Elizabeth Anderson shares how the World Justice Project advances the rule of law globally, measures progress through its Rule of Law Index, and fosters innovative solutions.
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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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Chief Mack Jenkins Criminal Justice Expert

Chief Mack Jenkins Joins JSI as Vice President

Chief Mack Jenkins joins the Justice Speakers Institute (JSI) as Vice President, serving alongside the Institute’s two remaining founders – Judge Brian Mackenzie (Ret.) and David Wallace, (the Traffic Safety Guy). Jenkins retains the honorific “Chief” in recognition of his 9 years as chief probation officer of San Diego (California) County from 2007 to 2016. 
  • Published in Law
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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Collaborative Courts

Modern-Day Abolitionists and Collaborative Courts

Collaborative Courts embody the spirit of modern abolitionists by addressing racial disparities in justice, education, and economic opportunity. From combating unequal access to wealth and higher education to ensuring fairness in the courtroom, these courts play a critical role in challenging systemic barriers and restoring trust in the justice system.
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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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