Latest Posts

The Color Of Law
Apr 10

BOOK REVIEW: The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein

Richard Rothstein’s thesis is that local, state, and federal laws, rules and policies deliberately caused segregation in public housing, beginning primarily around World War II when severe housing shortages for war workers caused the government to build public housing in large numbers where war industries existed. While the common supposition is that housing segregation is a result of people choosing to live in segregated neighborhoods, Mr. Rothstein argues that segregation in housing is in fact a result of laws and policies of the government. His arguments are compelling and are a lesson for everyone in the court system, in fact for all citizens, about why housing segregation really happened, and what might be done about it.

Mar 24

NASJE launches Vision 2020 Campaign

The National Association of State Judicial Educators is launching its Vision 2020 Campaign with a membership survey developed by the organization’s Membership and Mentor Committee. The goal is to collect data on ways NASJE can better meet the evolving needs of its members. Once compiled, the board and NASJE’s committee chairs will use the data to improve the organization and the services it provides. A full report will be made available to members at the 2019 Annual Conference in Denver.

Mar 24

Creating a Judicial Science, Technology, and Engineering Curriculum: You Can Help!

The road to becoming a judge is paved with years of training, preparation, and the endless acquisition of knowledge. Curiously, much of the curriculum for judicial education is developed without judicial input. Oftentimes, judges are not afforded the opportunity to help shape the very learning experience they rely on for their development. Jim Sullivan plans to change that. And he wants your help.  

Mar 08

WEBINAR: Online Learning: The Big Picture

Online learning is no longer just an occasional component of our job – in many cases, it’s fast becoming the primary focus! Join us for a panel discussion hosted by the Midwestern region with NASJE members who have facilitated the growth of online learning in their states and jobs. We will discuss how online learning changes your educational strategic plan, what’s happening in other states, and what’s on the horizon for court education and NASJE.

Andrew Cano
Mar 07

Meet NASJE Member Andrew Cano

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!

Mar 07

From the President (Winter 2019)

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.

Theresa Ewing
Jan 07

Fort Worth Court Director Receives National Award

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.

Oct 30

Meet Judge Kristi Harrington

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!

Oct 18

You Cannot Have A Future Without Change

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.

Oct 12

From the President (Fall 2018)

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.

Sep 27

Independence Corrupted: How America’s Judges Make Their Decisions

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.