Judicial Independence

Judicial Independence and Court Leadership: A Conversation with Justice Elizabeth Clement 

In this episode of Justice Speaks, Justice Elizabeth Clement, President of the National Center for State Courts, examines judicial independence and the future of state courts. Drawing on her experience as Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court, she discusses court leadership, public trust, and preparing courts for emerging challenges.
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Real justice reform

A Decade of Experience: Why Real Justice Reform Requires Practitioners

Real justice reform depends on the people who do the work. This article explains why practitioners—judges, probation officers, law enforcement, and treatment providers—offer the most accurate understanding of what makes treatment courts effective. Their daily experience, grounded in evidence and accountability, provides the clearest roadmap for improving public safety and recovery outcomes.
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AI Tort Liability

AI Tort Liability: Does Negligence Law Still Apply?

As autonomous AI systems increasingly influence high-stakes decisions, questions arise about whether new liability frameworks are needed. This article explains why traditional negligence law already provides a workable structure for assigning responsibility among AI developers, deployers, and users, even when systems act with partial independence.
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AI in Treatment Courts

AI in Treatment Courts: Keeping Treatment Human

Artificial intelligence is entering treatment courts, influencing how participants seek support and how supervision is delivered. But AI cannot replace therapy, manage crises, or ensure participant safety. Treatment courts must adopt clear policies that establish AI as a supplemental tool while preserving the human-centered treatment that defines these courts.
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judicial ethics in problem-solving courts

A Judicial Landmine: Judicial Ethics Failures in Problem-Solving Courts

Judicial ethics are the backbone of every problem-solving court. The Howard County case shows how quickly credibility collapses when a judge abuses authority, blurs boundaries, and humiliates participants. This failure didn’t just harm individuals—it destabilized the therapeutic purpose of treatment courts and revealed how essential ethics are to sustaining legitimacy.
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AI and the Courts

Part Six: Judging the Machine – Lessons, Guardrails, and the Path Forward

AI is reshaping the justice system, offering both promise and peril. Courts face the challenge of adopting these tools without compromising fairness or transparency. This article outlines the essential guardrails for judicial use of AI, ensuring technology strengthens—not supplants—the rule of law.
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Justice Speakers Institute 10th Anniversary

A Decade of Progress: Advancing Public Safety Through Leadership, Trust, and Innovation

As Justice Speakers Institute celebrates its 10th anniversary, Vice President Cynthia Herriott reflects on advancing public safety through leadership, trust, and innovation. Drawing from decades in law enforcement, she champions training that bridges communities and strengthens ethical, effective policing worldwide—defining JSI’s next decade of impact.
  • Published in Law
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Justice Speakers Institute 10th Anniversary

A Decade of Integrity: Advancing Community Supervision Through Evidence and Hope

JSI’s ten-year journey reflects a steadfast commitment to fairness, evidence, and compassionate justice. This reflection by Chief Jenkins highlights how effective community supervision blends accountability with meaningful support, helping people rebuild their lives. As JSI enters its next decade, its mission remains grounded in integrity, impact, and hope for stronger, safer communities.
  • Published in Law
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Judicial Education and Justice Reform Consulting

A Decade of Impact: Justice Speakers Institute Celebrates 10 Years of Advancing Justice Worldwide

Justice Speakers Institute celebrates a decade of advancing justice reform worldwide. Founded in 2015 by Judge Peggy Hora, David Wallace, and Judge Brian MacKenzie, JSI has become a global leader in judicial education, evidence-based practice, and innovative court reform, shaping the next decade of progress in justice.
  • Published in Law
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policing perspective on justice reform

The Ones We Fear and the Ones We’re Mad At: A Policing Perspective on Justice Reform

Former Police Chief Cynthia Herriott examines how emotions like fear and anger influence law enforcement responses and criminal justice policy. She distinguishes between dangerous offenders and those struggling with addiction or poverty, urging a shift toward evidence-based, compassionate approaches that enhance public safety and reduce recidivism.
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