Like all governmental institutions, courts are accountable to the public they serve for their performance. What is accountability? It is being responsible for the fulfillment of obligations and being called to account for actions in the discharge of duties. The work courts do to fulfill the public's high expectations in the delivery of justice is the key to public trust and confidence in the courts.
From Trust to Courage: reflections on the NACM 2019 Annual Conference
Last week I attended the annual conference of the National Association for Court Management (NACM) in Las Vegas. Once again it was a great experience, filled with wonderful education sessions as well as meeting and networking with colleagues, and a bit of fun on the side. Here are a few things I learned during the … Continue reading From Trust to Courage: reflections on the NACM 2019 Annual Conference
Fulfilling the Public’s Trust: Public Service and Accessibility
As public servants we have an obligation to fulfill the trust placed in us by the public. This the first of ten intermittent posts sharing key professional values; the first value is "Public Service and Accessibility."
I.D., please: Identity and Access Management (IAM)
Identity and access management is an increasingly critical component to modern I.T. systems. User access needs to be secure and yet widely available. What is the status of this in government today?
Great New Publications on Social Media Marketing and Plain Language Usage
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.
