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Episode Notes: The JudgeMental Podcast – EP19: A Rant

In this special solo episode, Hugh takes the mic while Christine is away in Los Angeles, shining a light on the urgent issue of court transparency and public access to justice. Drawing from Christine’s experiences in California family courts and his own legal practice in Kentucky, Hugh explores the stark differences in how courts operate across the country.

Key topics include:

• The fundamental importance of open courts and public access to judicial proceedings
• How transparency (or the lack thereof) impacts justice, accountability, and democracy
• The troubling trend of increasing secrecy in family courts, and its consequences for vulnerable people
• Historical and constitutional perspectives on open justice, from Anglo-Saxon England to the U.S. Supreme Court
• Real-world stories of how closed courts can enable abuses of power and deny justice
• The role of public oversight, media, and citizen activism in holding the legal system accountable

Hugh also discusses the mission of the Judge-y app and this podcast: to inform, empower, and support people navigating the court system—especially when the system seems stacked against them.

Whether you’re a legal professional, someone with experience in the courts, or simply a concerned citizen, this episode offers a passionate, insightful look at why justice must not only be done, but be seen to be done.

Tune in for a thought-provoking rant, and get ready for Christine’s return next week with more stories from the front lines of family court reform.

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