In part two of this series, Judge Brian MacKenzie interviews Judge Michael Haley about his law review article, Drug Courts: The Criminal Justice System Rolls the Rock. Judge Haley shares how Sobriety Courts transformed his approach to sentencing, offering hope and improving outcomes for participants and judges alike.

This episode of Justice Speaks examines pivotal court decisions addressing voting rights following the Shelby County v. Holder ruling. Judges Peggy Hora (Ret.) and Brian MacKenzie (Ret.) discuss cases in North Carolina, Wisconsin, Texas, Michigan, and Kansas that highlight the ongoing battle to protect democracy and equality in the face of restrictive laws.

This episode examines a compassionate yet controversial decision by Judge Lou Olivera, a Veterans Treatment Court judge, who served a night in jail with a veteran participant. We explore the ethical questions raised by his actions, the challenges of addressing PTSD among veterans, and the balance between judicial integrity and humanity in treatment courts.

In part one of this series, Judge Brian MacKenzie interviews Judge Michael Haley about his law review article, Drug Court: The Criminal Justice System Rolls the Rock. Judge Haley shares his journey in developing a Drug Treatment Court, the challenges faced, and how these courts provide hope and transform sentencing practices.

This episode explores the role of alcohol monitoring in ensuring compliance with abstinence clauses in the criminal justice system. Learn about tools like Ignition Interlock Devices, Continuous Alcohol Monitoring, and 24/7 programs, as well as the legal and technological advancements that improve oversight and promote accountability among offenders.

Teen driving safety starts with a conversation. Learn about the "5 to Drive" rules, effective strategies to engage teens, and resources to guide them toward safe driving habits.

This episode examines the constitutional concerns of mandating AA or NA in criminal justice settings. Learn about viable non-religious alternatives like SmartRecovery® and LifeRing Recovery to ensure compliance with the First Amendment while respecting defendants' rights and maintaining judicial and programmatic immunity.

This episode delves into the critical role of Drug Treatment Court judges and how their behavior impacts participant success. Research highlights the importance of procedural fairness, positive judicial demeanor, and the judge-participant relationship in creating transformational outcomes for drug-dependent defendants. Discover what makes a successful DTC judge.