Judicial ethics are the backbone of every problem-solving court. The Howard County case shows how quickly credibility collapses when a judge abuses authority, blurs boundaries, and humiliates participants. This failure didn’t just harm individuals—it destabilized the therapeutic purpose of treatment courts and revealed how essential ethics are to sustaining legitimacy.
As Justice Speakers Institute celebrates its 10th anniversary, Vice President Cynthia Herriott reflects on advancing public safety through leadership, trust, and innovation. Drawing from decades in law enforcement, she champions training that bridges communities and strengthens ethical, effective policing worldwide—defining JSI’s next decade of impact.
JSI’s ten-year journey reflects a steadfast commitment to fairness, evidence, and compassionate justice. This reflection by Chief Jenkins highlights how effective community supervision blends accountability with meaningful support, helping people rebuild their lives. As JSI enters its next decade, its mission remains grounded in integrity, impact, and hope for stronger, safer communities.
Justice Speakers Institute celebrates a decade of advancing justice reform worldwide. Founded in 2015 by Judge Peggy Hora, David Wallace, and Judge Brian MacKenzie, JSI has become a global leader in judicial education, evidence-based practice, and innovative court reform, shaping the next decade of progress in justice.
In this episode of Justice Speaks, Ms. Rachel Varela, Deputy Therapeutic Court Program Coordinator for the Alaska Court System, shares how Alaska’s therapeutic courts are expanding access to justice across vast and diverse communities. She discusses statewide innovations in training, technology, and collaboration that strengthen recovery and rehabilitation outcomes.
Former Police Chief Cynthia Herriott examines how emotions like fear and anger influence law enforcement responses and criminal justice policy. She distinguishes between dangerous offenders and those struggling with addiction or poverty, urging a shift toward evidence-based, compassionate approaches that enhance public safety and reduce recidivism.
As artificial intelligence transforms judicial systems worldwide, courts are redefining how justice is delivered. From AI-powered transcription to online dispute resolution, innovation is improving efficiency and access—but must never eclipse fairness. This post explores global trends ensuring AI in the courts enhances justice without diminishing human judgment.
In this episode, Justice Speaks features Phil Bowen, Director of the Centre for Justice Innovation. Bowen discusses evidence-based reforms transforming the British justice system, from diversion and smarter sentencing to procedural fairness and the Common Ground Justice Project, all aimed at building a fairer and more effective system.
Harm reduction is an essential part of recovery but must not mean a lack of accountability. Drawing lessons from Oregon’s policy challenges, this article explains why treatment courts need structure, incentives, and consequences. True recovery requires compassion paired with meaningful accountability to prevent relapse and promote long-term change.
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Specialty Courts: What the Evidence Actually Shows
Do specialty courts improve public safety and r... -
Words Matter: How Language Shapes Justice in Treatment Courts
Words influence more than conversation—they sha... -
An Effective Framework for Responding to Substance Use Disorders in the Justice System
Substance use disorders affect every part of th...
