By Cecilia Low-Weiner, Research Analyst at the Data Collaborative for Justice and Ed Spillane, Presiding Judge of College Station Municipal Court, Texas With increasing public scrutiny and calls for reform throughout the criminal justice system, a judge’s role as an Read more
What was your path to judicial education?I worked in the library field for 15 years, the last 9 of which were as an academic librarian. During this time, I worked a lot with nontraditional learners and, gradually, my work focused on online education. About a year ago or so, I realized I wanted to take my career in a different direction as I was working at a traditional research university and just missed working with adult learners. My wife, an attorney, recommended judicial education and I’m excited to be part of this field!
A few months ago, I asked a roomful of judicial educators whether they considered themselves court leaders. A surprisingly small number of people raised their hands to indicate that they saw themselves in this manner. I think to an extent their response was indicative of their acknowledgement that they did not sit atop the chain of command in their administrative structure. However, if that is to be the determinative factor, then very few of us are court leaders. I prefer to think of being a court leader as being able to have an impact on the direction the court will take and the way the judiciary will achieve its objectives. Seen from this perspective, I think it is undeniable that most of us are court leaders.
The Membership and Mentorship Committee is happy to introduce our newest member, North Dakota Supreme Court Justice Daniel J. Crothers! He was a good sport and participated in our New Member Minute.
Theresa Ewing is the Director of Municipal Court Services for the Fort Worth Municipal Court. Earlier this year, the National Center for State Courts selected Ms. Ewing to receive its 2018 Distinguished Service Award. This award is presented annually to honor those who have made substantial contributions to the field of court administration and to the work of the National Center for State Courts. I was able to sit down with Ms. Ewing recently and ask her questions about the award as well as her work in Fort Worth.
Meet new NASJE member Judge Kristi Harrington. Q: What was your path to judicial education? A: As a new judge, I was required to go to the National Judicial College. After two weeks of General Jurisdiction, I realized the value of Judicial education. I was asked to help develop a web-based class for new judges and have been faculty ever since!
Like it or not, life is a whirlwind of change. Our society moves at a pace that far exceeds any other time in history and change is a reality we face each day. Change can be a very positive thing when it is implemented effectively, efficiently, and with encouragement. Unfortunately, that doesn’t happen as often as it could or should. But regardless of how change is implemented; regardless of how we feel about it – change is here to stay.
For my first written communication with the members of NASJE, I wanted to address a reality I think many of us know deep within, but rarely stop and give it the consideration it deserves. I want to talk about being a judicial educator. More to the point, I want to share my thoughts on what a special profession we are a part of. In Austin I talked with the Fundamentals class about these topics. I wanted to extend my observations to a broader audience.
Independence Corrupted goes behind the trial bench and even into appellate chambers to dissect judicial decision-making in actual cases I judged – for ten years, alone, as a trial judge; for twelve years, with colleagues, as an appellate judge. The cases are page-turners, fascinating courtroom conflicts involving abortion protesters, abused children, murderers, sex predators, civil rights, health insurance, the insanity defense, multi-million dollar punitive damages, and more.
Welcome to our newest NASJE member, a Judicial Resource and Outreach Coordinator at the Wisconsin Office of Judicial Education, Emily Brooks! 1. What was your path to judicial education? My path is a little interesting! I started off in K-12 Read more
Christine Christopherson has been named Director of Nebraska Judicial Branch Education, a position that oversees the coordination and delivery of educational offerings for all Judicial Branch employees and judges throughout the state. Read more about it at the Nebraska Supreme Read more
Members of NASJE lent their experience and expertise to a cadre of court leaders from across the nation at the July meeting of the National Association of Court Management in Atlanta. “NACM wanted to offer an educational session to equip Read more
The NASJE Membership and Mentorship Committee is excited to welcome one of our newest members, Ms. Sarah Lee! Sarah has recently moved from New York City to Reno, Nevada, and is handling the culture shock with grace. She was kind Read more
NASJE member Judge Peggy Hora (Ret.), president and co-founder of the Justice Speakers Institute — an essential resource on national and international justice issues — was a featured speaker at the 6th World Forum Against Drugs on Monday, May 14, 2018, in Gothenburg, Sweden.
As you know, the #MeToo movement has generated a lot of attention on sexual harassment in the workplace. In addition, some high-profile disclosures regarding judges sexually harassing subordinates have increased attention to sexual harassment within organizations that support the educational needs of judges. Many of us have reviewed, revised, or revamped sexual harassment training efforts for judges and court staff.
As I write this message, it is the morning of June 21—the first official day of summer. I love this time of year in North Dakota. The days are long (official sunset at 9:41 today) and the nights are cool; perfect conditions for watching a beautiful sunset or having a campfire at the lake. As much as I would prefer spending my days near the water, there is work to be done to wrap up my presidency and prepare for our annual conference in August.
In March, twenty judicial educators from around the country came together in the latest callinar presented by the Education and Curriculum Committee. Callinars were created by the committee as a way of bringing together members of NASJE to discuss relevant Read more
