Two recent publications have caught my eye: First, the Joint Technology Committee of COSCA and NACM has issued another quality “Resource Bulletin,” this time on Social Media Marketing for Courts (https://www.ncsc.org/About-us/Committees/Joint-Technology-Committee/Publications-and-Webinars.aspx). As readers of this blog know, I have paid a lot of attention to social media in the courts for many years (most recently, … Continue reading Great New Publications on Social Media Marketing and Plain Language Usage
The Future of Restoring Voting Rights for Ex-Felons: The Surprising Facts
Traditionally, defendants convicted of a felony lost their right to vote, sit on a jury, and (in most states) possess a firearm. It was commonly thought that losing the right to vote was permanent. This perception can be seen even now in a recent New York Times article that focuses on the 6.2 million citizens … Continue reading The Future of Restoring Voting Rights for Ex-Felons: The Surprising Facts
JUSTICE is the “Word of the Year”
Justice is the Merriam-Webster "Word of the Year." This highlights the importance of the work of the judicial branch of government in these trying times.
‘Tis the Season for Holiday Gift Ethics Issues!
Happy holidays to all – here’s wishing everyone a joyous and peaceful end of 2018. At this time of year many of us want to give back to others in our lives, be they family, friends, or professional relations. In the courts we often receive expressions of appreciation, often from well-meaning attorneys who practice in … Continue reading ‘Tis the Season for Holiday Gift Ethics Issues!
A Fresh Start: What’s the Court’s Role?
The Setting A hot, muggy summer evening in 2010 leads 19-year old Peyton[i] to the home of a schoolmate. Adding bored friends to a summer weekend when parents are away at the Gulf, and the kids had the perfect ingredients for a party. Dozens of kids, many of whom Peyton has never seen before, arrive. … Continue reading A Fresh Start: What’s the Court’s Role?
AI and Beyond at the 2018 NACM Annual Conference
The 2018 NACM annual conference was jam-packed with great education, concentrating on mindful behaviors, access to justice, and technology. Here is a summary of what I found worthwhile to share.
Social Media and the Courts — Time for a Reassessment
Social media have been used for many years now in the courts -- how is it working out? What are the things a court, judges, and staff should keep in mind to properly use social media?
The Risks and Rewards of Risk Assessments
In 2015 we asked court professionals from around the world to assess the probability that predictive technology would move courts to become preventive rather than reactive; courts would start preventing things from happening before they happened. A hallmark of America’s judicial system is that it is both independent and reactive. Citizens bring their disputes to … Continue reading The Risks and Rewards of Risk Assessments
