Courts, the New Digital Media and Public Opinion: What Do You as a Court Leader Need to Know?

September 15th, 2026, Court Leader’s Advantage Podcast Episode 108

Brought to You in Cooperation with the National Association for Court Management

In today’s highly polarized political climate, courts must be prepared to face not only criticism inside the courtroom, but also relentless scrutiny in the court of public opinion.

This month, we look at increasingly aggressive public behavior against judges and court staff. Are all we prepared? Does using the criminal justice system ever turn into revenge?

Listen to the September 15, 2026, CLA Episode on your way to or from work. 34 Minutes 43 Seconds. Be sure to share the link to this episode on your social media pages. It lets more people know about the important work of court administration in our community.

Watch the September 15, 2026, CLA Episode on YouTube, 35 Minutes 26 Seconds. Be sure to click on the subscribe button. It draws more attention to the topic of court administration on YouTube.

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Today’s Panel

Christine Christopherson is the Director of the Judicial College for the Administrative Office of Courts in Montgomery, Alabama. Over the years, Christine has had the privilege of collaborating with exceptional education leaders and learners, each experience fueling her drive to explore new ideas and push boundaries.

She thrives on opportunities to create, learn, and lead, especially when it comes to building programs from the ground up. Leading dynamic teams and contributing to the discourse of national conversation in the field is energizing and promotes the development of her professional skills.

Over the course of the last 15 years Christine has developed a strong passion for judicial branch education and leadership. Being part of a system that plays such a vital role in our democracy is both inspiring and fulfilling. Coordinating efforts across complex systems adds a unique layer of challenge, making each successful initiative especially significant.

Part of Christine’s professional identity is married to the National Association for State Judicial Educators (NASJE), where she has served in leadership roles since becoming a member in 2012. This year she is the President and is proud to serve in this capacity to promote the excellent work of judicial educators across the country.

Tate Wooding currently serves as the Public Relations Director for Clerk Lori Tyack of the Franklin County Municipal Court in Columbus, OH. Tate is a key advisor in Clerk Tyack’s administration. He leads the internal and external communication of the Clerk’s Office and ensures Clerk Tyack’s vision is implemented.

He also organizes the office’s community outreach programs to better serve the community. Prior to this role, Tate was a supervisor in the Civil Division at the Clerk’s Office.

Tracy “T.J.” BeMent is the District Court Administrator for the 10th Judicial Administrative District of Georgia. The 10th JAD covers the general jurisdiction Superior courts in six circuits in 21 counties. He was previously the Court Administrator for the Athens-Clarke County Courts in Athens, Georgia, where he worked with all six levels of trial courts in the county.

He acts as the primary liaison to the state and county governments and serves as a resource for the judges and judicial staff on many issues.

T.J. administers nearly $2 million in state and federal grants and is a federal grant peer reviewer.

He has been working in the courts for more than 15 years. Prior to coming to Georgia, he was the Assistant Court Administrator for the Las Vegas Justice Court and previously the Clerk of Court and Chief Administrative Officer of the District of Columbia’s Office of Administrative Hearings. He received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from the George Washington University in Washington, DC, and completed his ICM Fellowship in spring 2015.

Paul Flemming is the director of the Florida Supreme Court Public Information Office. Before joining the State Courts System in 2016 he worked in the Florida Legislature. Previously, he was a reporter and editor for newspapers in Missouri and Florida.