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.
  • Published in Law
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telejurisprudence

Telejurisprudence and the Courts: How COVID-19 Changed Justice

COVID-19 accelerated the adoption of telejurisprudence in courts worldwide. This blog explores how virtual hearings, remote procedures, and new courtroom standards are reshaping justice, while also acknowledging the limitations of this shift. From Zoom arraignments to hybrid jury trials, the future of courtrooms may never be the same.
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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.
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therapeutic jurisprudence

Therapeutic Jurisprudence and the Evolution of Problem-Solving Courts

This blog explores the rise of therapeutic jurisprudence and its influence on problem-solving courts. Tracing its history from the 1980s to today, it highlights how terms like drug treatment courts and solution-focused courts all reflect a shared commitment to treatment over punishment and collaboration over adversarial justice.
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Trauma-Informed Judicial Practices

The Trauma-Informed Courtroom

Why do judges and other justice professionals need to be cognizant of trauma as it relates to court cases?  Like it or not, trauma seems to be the overwhelming negative factor affecting many people who come to court.  From treatment court participants to those who have experienced child abuse and neglect, “adverse childhood events” (ACE)
Workplace drug testing

Workplace Drug Testing and Reasonable Suspicion Standards

Within a workplace setting what does an employer do when there is a legitimate reason to believe that the employee has been abusing alcohol or taking other drugs.  The law regarding employee privacy is evolving and many workplace drug testing programs should be considered open to a legal challenge.  What is the right balance of
racial bigotry

Confronting Racial Bigotry: The Manmade Hurricane Within

This blog compares racial bigotry to a manmade hurricane—devastating, sustained, and often ignored. It calls for the same urgency and unity we show after natural disasters to confront racial injustice, feed the “good wolf” within us, and create meaningful change rooted in empathy, truth, and self-reflection.
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Right to counsel

The Right to Counsel: Gideon’s Mandate and Judicial Responsibility

The Sixth Amendment guarantees the right to counsel, but millions face court without an attorney. This article explores how local court practices, judicial inertia, and funding gaps have led to systemic violations of this constitutional mandate—and what steps states like Michigan are taking to reverse course.
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Alcohol Awareness Month

The facts are staggering; the tragedy enormous; the solution difficult.   Did you know that alcohol is the most commonly misused substance consumed in the United States?  Did you know that (AUD)? [1]   A substance use disorder (SUD) is defined as “a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive … seeking and use, despite harmful
  • Published in Law