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.
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.
Slate’s Ramos v. Louisiana analysis underscores the judiciary’s struggle with racial history. Persistent trust gaps—especially among African Americans—stem from perceived procedural fairness deficits. True public engagement—ongoing, two-way dialogue—can bridge this divide, as shown by programs at the Red Hook Community Justice Center and Cleveland Municipal Court’s community-driven initiatives.
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.
Chief District Court Judge Tom Jarrell (Guilford County, NC) died suddenly last August in his bedroom. His colleagues were stunned at his sudden passing at age 56. They went from stunned to shocked when his autopsy results were revealed last week showing his cause of death as an accidental overdose of fentanyl and heroin. One
Just as 20/20 eyesight means clarity, 20/20 safety vision ensures a plan for safer driving. With human error causing 94% of crashes, this post challenges you to make a New Year’s resolution: adopt nine practical tips—from putting phones down to stopping on reds—to protect yourself and loved ones on every journey.
In 2016, the United States Surgeon General issued the report: Facing Addiction in America: The Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health. In the report, he defined “addiction” as: The most severe form of substance use disorder, associated with compulsive or uncontrolled use of one or more substances. Addiction is a chronic brain disease
Everyone uses labels that shape care. DSM-5’s shift to person-first language reframes addiction as Substance Use Disorders, reducing stigma. Studies show “substance abuser” triggers blame, unlike neutral terminology. AP and federal memos endorse person-first. Consciously adopting respectful language can encourage treatment, humanize those affected, and foster equity in care.
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.
Sustainability is much more than having money to operate your Treatment Court. Sustainability requires a plan on the necessary steps to operate the Treatment Court: it requires that the community is educated about the program’s success; and it requires that non-monetary sources are located that can support the Court’s efforts. Sufficient funds are just one part of an overall plan for sustainability.
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Treatment Court Data and National Infrastructure with Dr. DeVall
This Justice Speaks episode examines how treatm... -
AI Describes Many Technologies and None of Them Are Intelligent
What courts call “AI” is rarely intelligent—and... -
Hardwiring Justice: Governing AI Before It Governs the Justice System
Artificial intelligence is already embedded acr...
