Law Archives - Page 6 of 12 - Justice Speakers Institute

Trauma-Informed Justice: A Better Approach for Courts

Tuesday, 08 March 2022 by Hon. Brian MacKenzie (Ret.)

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.

Published in Law, Procedural Justice

Tagged under: court reform, Procedural Fairness, Trauma-informed justice, Trauma; PTSD, Veterans Treatment Court

Modern-Day Abolitionists and Collaborative Courts

Tuesday, 15 February 2022 by James Starks, Jr., Ed.D., MHR

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.

Published in Law, Problem Solving Courts, Race

Tagged under: Abolitionist Movement, African American Disparities, Collaborative Courts, Judicial Reform, Racial Justice

Why Trauma-Informed Judges Are Essential for Justice

Tuesday, 08 February 2022 by Justice Speakers Institute

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.

Published in Law, Procedural Justice

Tagged under: judicial training, Procedural Fairness, trauma-informed judges, Trauma; PTSD

Why February 1 Matters: Supreme Court’s First Session

Tuesday, 01 February 2022 by David Wallace

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

Tagged under: Judicial Systgem, Rule of Law, Supreme Court

New Bench Book for Family Courts on Substance Use Disorders

Tuesday, 29 June 2021 by Justice Speakers Institute

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

Tagged under: Addiction and the Law, Bench Book for Courts, Family Courts, Judicial Resources, Substance Use Disorders

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

Tuesday, 11 May 2021 by Justice Speakers Institute

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.

Published in Law, Problem Solving Courts, Veterans Courts

Tagged under: Justice-involved Veterans, Mentor Coordinator, Peer Mentorship, Substance Use Recovery, Veterans Treatment Courts

Veterans Treatment Courts—Why They Matter

Tuesday, 04 May 2021 by Justice Speakers Institute

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.

Published in Law, Problem Solving Courts, Veterans Courts

Tagged under: Behavioral Health and Justice, Drug Court Awareness Month, Justice-involved Veterans, Military Culture in Courts, Veterans Treatment Courts

Alcohol Use Disorders in the Workplace: A Business Risk

Wednesday, 17 February 2021 by Hon. Brian MacKenzie (Ret.)

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.

Published in Alcohol, Alcohol Use Disorder, Drugs, Law

Tagged under: Alcohol Use Disorder, Employee Assistance Programs, Workplace Safety

Becoming a Minister of Justice in Everyday Life

Tuesday, 05 January 2021 by David Wallace

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.

Published in Law

Tagged under: justice and fairness, Minister of Justice, Social Equity

The Passing of a Giant

Monday, 09 November 2020 by Justice Speakers Institute

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

Tagged under: Global Justice Reform, Judge Peggy Fulton Hora