Daubert standard

Why February 1 Matters: Supreme Court’s First Session

February 1st, 2022, is the 232nd anniversary of the United States Supreme Court’s first session, in 1790.  The day when the highest court in the United States with the ultimate jurisdiction over all U.S. laws commenced.
  • Published in Law
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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 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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Minister of Justice

Becoming a Minister of Justice in Everyday Life

Justice is more than a government title—it’s a personal mission. This blog explores how every person can serve as a “Minister of Justice” by promoting fairness, respect, and integrity in their daily interactions. Discover the transformative power of empathy and equity in building a more just society for all.
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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.
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bite-mark evidence

Bite-Mark Evidence and Frye: When Science Goes Wrong

Bite-mark evidence, once widely accepted, is now under intense scrutiny due to scientific invalidation. This blog explores how courts using the Frye standard can revisit outdated forensic testimony and why it matters for justice and scientific integrity in criminal trials.
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video jury trials

Video Jury Trials: From 1971 to Today’s Zoom Courtrooms

This blog explores the surprising history of video jury trials, beginning with a 1971 Ohio case and extending to modern Zoom proceedings. It examines juror reactions, the civil vs. criminal debate, and how courts are adapting to pandemic-era challenges—proving that what’s old may be new again in the justice system.
  • Published in Law
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Daubert standard

The Daubert Double Standard: Scientific Evidence in Courtrooms

The Daubert standard reshaped judicial roles as gatekeepers of scientific evidence, yet its application remains inconsistent. While civil courts apply rigorous scrutiny, criminal courts often admit unreliable forensic evidence. Judges must correct this imbalance to ensure justice. The Science Bench Book for Judges offers guidance to navigate this critical issue.
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