Shows
Court Leader's AdvantageArtificial Intelligence: Ethics and CourtsQuestion of Ethics Conversation: January 23, 2025Artificial intelligence has the potential to reshape the judicial system. AI-powered tools, from legal research assistants to sentencing algorithms and customer service chatbots, offer efficiency but also introduce risks, particularly bias. Additionally, the confidentiality of court records and legal proceedings becomes a pressing concern, as AI systems require vast sums of data for training—potentially exposing sensitive information to breaches or misuse.While AI chatbots improve accessibility by guiding litigants through procedural questions, the possibility of providing incorrect information and the prohibition against providing legal ad...2025-04-0241 min
Court Leader's AdvantageArtificial Intelligence: Ethics and CourtsQuestion of Ethics Conversation January 23, 2025 EpisodeArtificial intelligence has the potential to reshape the judicial system. AI-powered tools, from legal research assistants to sentencing algorithms and customer service chatbots, offer efficiency but also introduce risks, particularly bias. Additionally, the confidentiality of court records and legal proceedings becomes a pressing concern, as AI systems require vast sums of data for training—potentially exposing sensitive information to breaches or misuse.While AI chatbots improve accessibility by guiding litigants through procedural questions, the possibility of providing incorrect information and the prohibition against providing le...2025-03-2441 min
Court Leader's AdvantageData Analytics: Data, Courts, and EthicsNovember 21st, 2024, Question of Ethics Conversation
Copilot describes data literacy as understanding, interpreting, and using data effectively. It involves knowing how to read charts and graphs, understanding statistics, and being able to critically evaluate data sources for their reliability and relevance. Just as how literacy with words helps you comprehend and communicate in language, data literacy empowers you to navigate and make sense of the vast amounts of data we encounter daily. Problem Analysis is an often-overlooked component of decision-making. In this episode we discuss data literacy and how it intersects with ethics in the courts.
...2025-01-2732 min
Court Leader's AdvantageCourts, Security, and DisabilitiesJune 27, 2024, A Question of Ethics Conversation
Robert Granzow, Director of the Office of Judicial District Security at the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts, talks about safety, security, and dealing with disabilities in the court environment.
Equal access to justice can only be realized in an environment of safety and security. We must ensure the safety of those with and those without disabilities.
Disabilities can include, physical, traumatic, psychological, mental illness, congenital birth defects, personality disorders, addictive disabilities, as well as cultural
and language differences.
We live in a r...2024-09-2538 min
Court Leader's AdvantageCourt, Ethics, and Artificial IntelligenceMarch 28, 2024, A Question of Ethics Conversation
Join Kevin Bowling as we discuss the ethical issues surrounding the burgeoning topic of courts’ use of artificial intelligence (AI). Kevin discusses a definition of AI and specifically generative AI, existing practical uses in the courts, some misuses of IA, the need for policy and data governance, ethics issues, and the need for transparency to promote public trust and confidence.
Kevin also publicly acknowledges the work of Roger Rand and Casey Kennedy, the entire Joint Technology Committee, as well as gives a sneak peek of the, soon-to-be-released, NACM AI Guid...2024-05-2742 min
Court Leader's AdvantageCourts and Self-Service: How Much Do We Tell Litigants?May 21st Court Leader’s Advantage Podcast Episode
Although they are not universally accepted, court self-service centers can help prepare self-represented litigants to navigate the exotic terrain of the courtroom. They can also expedite court proceedings and weed out inappropriate arguments. Less obvious but equally as important, the information these centers provide helps boost the public’s trust and confidence in the courts. We well know that the public’s perception of courts has been woefully lagging over these last several years.
A basic tenet of self-service centers, in fact, a tenet of all public-facing court staff is...2024-05-2034 min
The K ShowE5 - Peter Whitney: Solar Sales to Self-Storage SavantIn this insightful episode, we sit down with Peter Whitney, a trailblazer in the solar sales industry and a successful self-storage entrepreneur. Peter shares his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a top performer in solar sales, offering invaluable tips and strategies for excelling in this competitive field.
Listen in as Peter breaks down his approach to understanding customer needs, building trust, and closing deals in the renewable energy sector. Whether you're a seasoned sales professional or just starting out, Peter's advice will help you elevate your game.
But the conversation doesn't stop there. Peter...2024-05-171h 10
Court Leader's AdvantageOrganizational Fairness: Three PerspectivesJanuary 25, 2024, A Question of Ethics Conversation Episode
Welcome to the latest episode of A Question of Ethics
Conversation. The topic for this discussion is Organization Fairness. The October 26th, 2023, Question of Ethics Conversation hosted by Samantha Wallis, brought up
many interesting questions. One set of questions revolved around the concept of fairness.
We are all dedicated to fairness and take it seriously, Canon1.3 of NACM’s Model Code for Court Professionals speaks to fairness. It reads that the court professional makes the court accessible and conducts his or her business without bias or prejudice. The Model...2024-04-2222 min
Court Leader's AdvantageCourts and Self-Service: How Much Do They Help?April 16th Court Leader’s Advantage Podcast Episode
It may have started with the advent of no-fault divorce in the 1970s. But the numbers of litigants representing themselves in court has regularly increased year after year. This fact has presented a challenge for the community and for courts. People pursuing legal matters in court and who have limited legal experience are at a decided disadvantage. They are at greater risk of ending up with an unfortunate (or maybe even a disastrous) outcome. Likewise, unschooled self-represented litigants in a courtroom can be time-consuming and lead to uncomfortable situations for lit...2024-04-1527 min
Court Leader's AdvantageCourts and the Quest for Talent: Are We Doing Enough?March 19th Court Leader’s Advantage Podcast Episode
In April of 2022, we hosted a podcast episode on “The Great Resignation.” At the time large numbers of employees were resigning, or (after being furloughed for some period) were deciding not to return to work. The assumption back then was that this was a temporary phenomenon. Once COVID receded, people would return to work, and things would get back to normal.
It is now a year and a half later. COVID is receding, (or at least we think it is). Yet many courts still struggle with staffing shortages...2024-03-1835 min
Court Leader's AdvantageArtificial Intelligence and the Courts: Promise or Peril?February 20, 2024, Court Leader’s Advantage Podcast Episode
The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has spawned numerous questions, both practical and ethical. These are questions that courts are going to have to grapple with in the near future, including:
Given the complexity of AI algorithms and the tens of thousands of data points used for training, can we reasonably expect that a human reviewing AI results would actually uncover bias or uncover anything significant?
Our court system is designed to move in a slow and deliberate fashion to render decisions; AI is evolving at breakn...2024-02-1935 min
Court Leader's AdvantageArtificial Intelligence and the Courts: Omen or Opportunity?January 16th Court Leader’s Advantage Podcast Episode
Artificial Intelligence. The media is filled with discussions of its potential to dramatically change our lives. It will increase productivity; it will relieve us from having to make mundane decisions; it will reveal heretofore unseen connections.
Conversely, it may eliminate jobs, take away our ability to make complex decisions, fill the airwaves with misinformation, and even threaten our way of life. In addition, many think that artificial intelligence (AI) is just too obscure. It is, frankly, not that important to normal people and everyday life. Some of the questio...2024-01-1745 min
Court Leader's AdvantageSuburban and Rural Courts: Their Perspective How Do We Fairly Allocate Court Resources?December 19th, 2023, Court Leader’s Advantage Podcast Episode
The struggle to equitably and effectively allocate court
resources is a challenge that faces every state. Everywhere the question is the same: how do you allocate funds fairly to courts of different sizes and may even perform different operations such as having a Treatment Court? How do you not disadvantage suburban and rural courts when taking into account the size of each court, its caseload, the demand for service, the degree of innovation, the staffing needs of justice partners like the prosecutor, the public defender, probation, and law enforcement, all...2023-12-1832 min
Court Leader's AdvantageEmployee Performance in the Workplace: Ethical ConundrumsOctober 26, 2023, A Question of Ethics Conversation Episode
Today’s Question of Ethics Conversation looks at several ethical challenges regarding employee performance. It discusses four questions many supervisors face in their oversight role.
Can you, as a supervisor, remain friends with colleagues once you have become their boss? This is an especially critical
question when it comes time to promote someone, and you promote your ‘friend’.
-Are performance reviews good or bad? Are they useful tools for supervisors and managers?
-Is it ethical to use a personal relationship to get promoted...2023-12-0432 min
Court Leader's AdvantageSuburban and Rural Courts: Their Perspective Do Remote Hearings Pose Special Challenges?November 21st, 2023, Court Leader’s Advantage Podcast Episode
Suburban and rural courts often face distinctive issues. These issues are different from those of truly small courts, but also different from the issues faced by massive metropolitan court organizations. It is tempting to always talk about big problems in big courts. It is easy to forget that two-thirds of the courts in our country are benches made up of fewer than 10 judges.
Today’s episode is going to revisit a relatively recent phenomenon: remote hearings. But it is going to look at it from the pe...2023-11-2038 min
You'll Hear ItNobody Does It Better Than Kiefer.Shhhh... Don't tell anyone but go ahead and check out openstudiojazz.com/yhi for the BIGGEST savings of the year for our dear listeners. Adam and Peter get a chance to hang with the one and only Kiefer. Kiefer tells all in this episode of YHI. From stories of producing and recording back in the day to the history of Black American Music while still keeping everything centered around the piano. Check out this very special episode.↓ Links from the pod ↓All things Kiefer:https://ffm.bio/kiefer@kiefdaddysupremeHav...2023-11-2043 min
Court Leader's AdvantageCourts, Workplace Culture, and TechnologyAugust 24, 2023, A Question of Ethics Conversation Episode
Today’s Question of Ethics Conversation looks at workplace culture and technology. It focuses on the ethical challenges to workplace culture and technology as it pertains to Canon 1.1 of the NACM Model Code of Conduct which states that a court professional faithfully carries out all appropriately assigned duties, striving at all times to perform the work:
Diligently - characterized by steady, earnest, and energetic effort.
Efficiently - capable of producing desired results with
little or no waste (as of time or materials)
Equitably - dealing fairly and equally w...2023-10-2341 min
Court Leader's AdvantageShould Recidivism Be a Trial Court Performance Measure?October 17th Court Leader’s Advantage Podcast Episode
In the middle of last month’s episode, the question was asked, should recidivism be a trial court performance measure? All the panelists responded negatively, but the reasons they gave are
worth hearing.
We have all heard the criticism that the criminal justice has turned into a “revolving door.” Defendants are arrested and tried, most are convicted and sentenced. Some are incarcerated, others are placed on probation.
The recidivism rate for incarcerated defendants is nearly 50%; almost one out of every two incarcerated defendants is rearrested. The recidiv...2023-10-1621 min
Court Leader's AdvantageLeading in Tough Times: Can We Stay Savvy About Statistics?September 19th, 2023, Court Leader’s Advantage Podcast
Episode
As court leaders, we are inundated with statistics and research. We have all been taught to have a healthy skepticism of statistics. We are given advice that includes: ask questions, go to the source of the research, and expose the assumptions behind the analysis. We have seen what happens when research is not properly evaluated. As a consequence, we are compelled to ensure that statistical analysis is objective and unbiased, valid and reliable, able to be replicated, and relevant to the work of your court.
2023-09-1831 min
Court Leader's AdvantageLeading in Tough Times: Leaders as “Influencers”August 15th, 2023, Court Leader’s Advantage Podcast Episode
Leaders deal with multiple circles of individuals. Two that you as a court administrator or Clerk of Court deal with are 1) those who report to you and 2) those you either report to or deal with as fellow stakeholders. Those reporting to you include your team, and the larger office or court staff.
The next circle centers on your Presiding Judge, and your bench; it includes your funding body such as your City Council, County Board, the state administrative office, or the state legislature. It extends to you...2023-08-1333 min
Court Leader's AdvantageLeading in Tough Times: Leading When Things Don’t Succeed
July 18th, 2023, Court Leader’s Advantage Podcast Episode
As one progresses higher in an organization the challenges of leadership can become a regular test. Increasingly responsible positions can draw leaders away from the very people they first came to rely on. The demands of those you report to can outweigh the needs of the people who support you.
How do you keep grounded with the people who depend on you for Leadership? And what happens when things do not go well? Not every plan succeeds. How do you lead when the court must close a...2023-07-1225 min
Court Leader's AdvantageLeading in Tough Times: Living It Day-to-DayJune 20th, 2023, Court Leader’s Advantage Podcast Episode
Is there another concept in court administration that has been discussed, studied, and analyzed more often than Leadership? For many the image of a leader
that immediately comes to mind is the person who confidently says, “follow me, I know the way.” It implies that the leader can always be relied upon to “have the answers.”
That image, however, doesn’t always work. Sometimes the outcome is being negotiated and cannot be revealed, sometimes the solution is dictated by
someone else. Examples that come to mind i...2023-06-1933 min
Court Leader's Advantage“Quiet Quitting”: What Is It? What Should We Do About It?April 27, 2023, A Question of Ethics Conversation Episode
“Quiet Quitting.” It is a topic that many of us have heard about. In an era where it is a challenge to hire employees, is “Quiet Quitting” an emerging change in the contract between the court and employees or is it just a new term for some staff not doing their jobs?
In the past it has been given many names: “retiring in place”, “phoning it in,” or “checking out.” What makes this iteration unusual is that it seems to be a mantra heard from younger workers. Millennials an...2023-06-1134 min
Court Leader's AdvantageHiring Employees: Have the Tables Turned? Are the Candidates in Control?May 16th, 2023, Court Leader’s Advantage Podcast Episode
It was not that long ago that the phrase “you’re lucky to have a job” was powerful advice. Nowadays, employers across multiple business sectors are complaining of unfilled staff positions. Shortages of teachers and restaurant workers immediately come to mind. On the other hand, just lately we are once again hearing about massive layoffs. Google, Meta, Disney, and Amazon have all recently laid off workers.
Has the balance of power between job applicants and employers shifted?
Has it shifted in favor of the applicants?
If it has, will...2023-05-1528 min
Court Leader's AdvantageHiring Employees: Is the Power Imbalance Real and Do We Even Care?April 18th, 2023, Court Leader’s Advantage Podcast Episode
We have been talking about various aspects of employee recruitment and selection, often as it intersects with diversity, equity, and inclusion. This brought up the topic of the power imbalance surrounding employee selection. Traditionally, job candidates enter the selection process in a powerless and sometimes even in a belittling position.
The NACM Model Code of Conduct, Canon 1.4 states “A court professional treats litigants, co-workers, and all others interacting with the court with dignity, respect, and courtesy.”
So, the questions arise:
· I...2023-04-1732 min
Court Leader's AdvantageHiring Ethical Employees: Accountability and Background ChecksFebruary 23, 2023, A Question of Ethics Conversation Episode
This is the second of a two-part conversation on hiring ethical employees. Part-one, (held January 26th, 2023), is available on the Ethics Subcommittee Webpage, on the NACM website.
What actions can courts take to optimize the hiring of ethical staff? What can you do to ensure that the people you hire will adhere to your
court’s Code of Conduct? Relying on Bruce Weinstein’s book, The Good Ones: Ten Crucial Qualities of High Character Employees, the panel discusses the options courts have to identify ethical employees includ...2023-04-1035 minCourt Leader's AdvantageDiversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Is It a Zero-Sum Proposition?Numerous organizations, including courts, are embracing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. With that increasing acceptance, we are also seeing increasing resistance, and it is important to address that resistance directly. On the December episode we discussed the question “can hiring criteria, particularly
for managers and supervisors, be objective?”
This month we are going to explore the growing question “Is Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion a Zero-Sum Proposition for White employees?” Michael
Norton from Harvard University, and Samuel Summers from Tufts University, surveyed 417 citizens on their conception of racism in America.[1] Several of their conclusions are worth noting:
· Overa...2023-03-2031 min
Court Leader's AdvantageHiring Ethical Employees: How Can We Hire “The Good Ones”?January 26, 2023, A Question of Ethics Conversation Episode: A Conversation on Courts and Ethics
What actions can a court take to optimize the hiring of ethical staff? What can you do to ensure that the people you hire will adhere to your court’s Code of Conduct? Relying on the book by Bruce Weinstein, The Good Ones: Ten Crucial Qualities of High Character Employees, the Ethics Subcommittee explores some of the personal qualities that ethical employees possess. These qualities include honesty, accountability, care, courage, fairness, gratitude, humility, loyalty, patience, and presence. What can we do during the selection pr...2023-03-1038 min
Court Leader's AdvantageCourts and the Homeless: How Should Courts Respond to This Crisis?February 21st, 2023, Court Leader’s Advantage Podcast Episode
We see this growing crisis everywhere. We pass the cardboard sign at the intersection asking for donations and wishing us: “God Bless.” We see the blue tarp and shopping cart half hidden in that small grove of trees next to the freeway. We see him sleeping on the sidewalk over the grate.
Although we know the crisis is growing, we don’t even have a good idea of how big it is. The statistics are so vague they are better described as guesstimates. By one guestimate, there are over...2023-02-2039 min
Court Leader's AdvantageCourts and Ethics: Should the U.S. Supreme Court Adopt a Code of Conduct?January 17th, 2023, Court Leader’s Advantage Podcast Episode
Every state in our nation has a Judicial Code of Conduct. Every judge in each state is obligated to follow that state’s Code. Since 1973, most Federal judges have been subject to The Code of Conduct for United States Judges. There is only group exempt from the duty to follow these codes. That group consists of the Justices of the United States Supreme Court.
To be fair over the years, accusations of scandal have been rare within the Court. Until recently one had to go back to Abe Fo...2023-01-1631 minCourt Leader's AdvantageCourts and Inside Information: What Can and Should We Do with What We Learn at Work?September 22, 2022, A Question of Ethics Episode: A Conversation on Courts and Ethics
We are not stockbrokers or day traders, but in our role as court employees we learn a lot. We know about patterns of litigation against businesses and against professionals in the community. We know about protection orders filed against real estate agents; we know about leaking basement litigation; we know about roofing contract litigation. Many cases are sealed and confidential, but most are wide open and available to the public if it takes the time to do the research. Due to the nature of our...2023-01-0819 min
Court Leader's AdvantageHiring Court Employees: Can Selection Criteria Be Objective?December 20th Court Leader’s Advantage Podcast Episode
Courts have committed to the advancement of diversity, equity, and inclusion particularly in recruiting and selecting court employees. This commitment however has not been without controversy. One criticism has been that personnel recruitment and selection should be entirely objective and merit based. An evaluation format often cited as an example is the NFL Combine.
The Combine measures prospective professional football players by a number of objective skills: How fast and far can one run? How high can one jump? How much weight can one lift? How far an...2022-12-1935 min
Court Leader's AdvantageCourt Rules and Procedures: Technological InnovationA Question of Ethics Conversation August 15, 2022, Episode
The COVID Pandemic brought the use of technology to the forefront of our conversation worldwide. Technology is expanding at breakneck speed. Is it out stripping courts' ability to manage new technological innovations?
Relevant Ethics Canons
Canon 1 Avoiding Impropriety and the Appearance of Impropriety in All Activities
1.1 Performing Court Duties
A court professional faithfully carries out all appropriately assigned duties, striving at all times to perform the work diligently, efficiently, equitably, thoroughly, courteously, honestly, openly, and within the scope of the court professional’s...2022-11-2820 minCourt Leader's AdvantageCourts and Confidence: Does the Public Look at Different Courts Differently?November 15th 2022, Court Leader’s Advantage Podcast Episode
The public’s perception of our courts continues to be a topic of concern and curiosity for court professionals. Last month we discussed finding of the National Center for State Courts 2021 State of the State Courts survey that found that public trust in the courts had declined to 64% from a high in 2018 of 76%. This month we will take a deeper dive into several areas of interest:
· How much influence does “the ability to be heard in court” affect the public’s perception?
· Does the public look at the...2022-11-1429 min
Court Leader's AdvantageCourts and Confidence: What Do We Know About How the Public Perceives the Courts?October 18, 2022 Court Leader’s Advantage Podcast Episode
What do we know about how the public views our courts? We know that the public’s trust and confidence in courts has been slipping over the years. The 2021 National Center for State Courts State of the State Courts survey found that public trust in the courts along other institutions has been declining for some time. In that survey 64% of respondents said they had either a great deal of confidence or some confidence in their state courts. But that is down from a 2018 high of 76%.
That same survey aske...2022-10-1729 min
Court Leader's AdvantageCourts and Customers: What Do Court Users Have to Tell Us?September 20th Court Leader’s Advantage Podcast Episode
Obtaining customer feedback, obtaining usable feedback, obtaining enough of it to be able to rationally modify court programs, all of these are major hurdles. And yet getting good customer feedback is so important. It is important to complete the loop: to plan, to act, to check results, and then to refine. And this effort has been made even more complicated by COVID.
LaGratta Consulting, with the backing of the State Justice Institute, has developed the Court Voices Project piloting 12 courts from around the country. These courts are co...2022-09-1936 min
Court Leader's AdvantageBehavioral Health and the Courts: What Should You Be Doing Right Now?August 16, 2022, Court Leader’s Advantage Podcast Episode
In this episode, we ask the question, “What should our courts be doing now?” This month we bring our discussion on behavioral health and the courts home.
In previous episodes we talked about the extent of the problem nationally and how it affects each community; we discussed the need for community collaboration; we explored the challenge of criminal competency to stand trial, and we learned how mental health manifests itself as trauma in our young people. This month is the last of our five-episode discussion with members of the Na...2022-08-0932 min
Court Leader's AdvantageWhere is Bail Reform Now? Drive for Reform and Push BackJuly 19th 2022 Court Leader’s Advantage Podcast Episode
Bail Reform has been praised as an effective way to correct a societal wrong. The movement's byword has been “bail does not keep the most dangerous in jail: it keeps the poorest.” Despite this argument, Bail Reform is receiving increasing pushback.
Bail Reform aims to curb or eliminate cash bail for people who are in jail awaiting trial and charged with either misdemeanors or nonviolent offenses. Bail Reform releases many of these vulnerable low-income defendants from pretrial incarceration. It allows them to return to their homes, to go bac...2022-07-1823 min
Court Leader's AdvantageOnline Dispute Resolution and Virtual Mediation: What Is Your Court Choosing?June 21st Court Leader’s Advantage Podcast Episode
Online Dispute Resolution has been us in various forms since the 1990s, although it really became widely accepted a little over five years ago. By contrast, widespread acceptance of virtual mediation seems to have been an outgrowth of the COVID pandemic. Today many courts around the country use one form or the other (or possibly both) to quickly and efficiently settle disputes. What has been the courts’ experience using these two different platforms? This month we’re looking at online dispute resolution and virtual mediation.
Some of the To...2022-06-2030 min
O-Ton – der Podcast der Bank WIRMarc K. Peter: «Schweiz muss die digitale Bildungslücke schliessen»
Die neue Langzeitstudie «Digital-Radar Schweiz – Monitor Bank WIR» fragt die Schweizer Bevölkerung unter anderem nach Vorteilen und Gefahren des digitalen Zeitalters. Studienleiter Marc K. Peter von der FHNW Hochschule für Wirtschaft erläutert die ersten Ergebnisse – und warnt vor einer Polarisierung der Gesellschaft.2022-06-1821 min
Court Leader's AdvantageDiversity, Equity, Inclusion: Political Agendas and Affirmative ActionA Question of Ethics Conversation May 2022
This episode of A Question of Ethics will continue to explore diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and NACM’s commitment to helping provide equal justice. This session was recorded after the Ethics Subcommittee Conference Call on April 28th, 2022. The questions the group explored include:
· Does focusing on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policies, and programs conflict with the court’s purpose to be a separate, independent, and impartial forum for resolving disputes?
· How do courts keep political agendas out of its efforts to make court personnel and court proces...2022-05-3024 min
Court Leader's AdvantageBehavioral Health and the Young: Adolescents and The Mental Health CrisisMay 17th Court Leader’s Advantage Podcast Episode
This country’s mental health crisis is by no means limited to adults. We know that young people frequently suffer from traumatic events. This fact has only been made worse by the scourge of COVID. A recent survey by the Pew Research Center revealed that well over a third (37%) of U.S. high school students struggle with stress, anxiety, or depression due to COVID-19. We must address this crisis. We do not want to endure the effects of trauma that has been ignored for too long. This month is the...2022-05-1646 min
Court Leader's AdvantageThe Great Resignation: How Has It Affected the Courts?April 19th Court Leader’s Advantage Podcast Episode
One unintended consequence of the COVID pandemic has been a phenomenon called “The Great Resignation.” Large numbers of American workers have either quit their jobs or (after being laid off) have chosen not to return to their previous employer. CBS News has reported an estimated 20 million people left their jobs in only the second half of 2021. Why is this occurring?
A survey conducted by the Pew Research Center found that of those who left their jobs, almost a two-thirds (63%) cited low pay. Almost two-thirds also cited no opport...2022-04-1823 min
Court Leader's AdvantageDiversity, Equity, Inclusion: What is the Court’s Duty?A Question of Ethics Conversation: Summer 2022 Edition of the Court Manager
NACM has made a commitment to the values of providing equal justice regardless of race, gender, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation or identity, disability, or social economic status. What is the court’s ethical obligation, particularly when it comes to implementing court operations? This episode was a recorded conversation held immediately after the Ethics Subcommittees’ Conference Call held on March 24, 2022.
The questions the group explored include:
· Do courts have an ethical obligation to implement policies and procedures that ensure the values of diversity, equit...2022-04-0929 min
Court Leader's AdvantageMental Health and the Courts: The Collaborative Court and Community Effective Criminal Case ManagementMarch 15th Court Leader’s Advantage Podcast Episode
In our last two episodes on mental health and the courts we talked about the fact that traditional criminal case management is not meeting the needs of the people we serve. We must develop a new comprehensive and collaborative model. We need to create a fair and effective caseflow management system that meets the challenges of those with behavioral health needs.
There are estimates that up to 70% of the individuals seen in our criminal courts today have behavioral health issues. Currently, state courts do not generally have sy...2022-03-1336 min
Court Leader's AdvantageWork - Life Balance: What Does It Look Like in 2022?February 15th, 2022 Court Leader’s Advantage Podcast Episode
We’ve been talking about work-life balance for decades. It is a perennial challenge. What has changed in these last two years is, of course, COVID. For the first time in the history of America’s court system, large numbers of employees are teleworking, many are frightened of catching the Coronavirus in the office, others are concerned over losing their personal freedom, and we all seem to be working and living with incomplete and often rapidly changing information.
Anecdotal comments are both positive and negative. Office productivity has im...2022-02-1424 min
Court Leader's AdvantageMental Health and the Courts: The Crisis with Competency to Stand TrialTuesday, January 18, 2022, Court Leader’s Advantage Podcast Episode
In November we started our discussion on how mental illness is impacting our nation and particularly our courts. In this episode, we are taking a deeper dive into the criminal justice realm, specifically the challenge of competency to stand trial. The task of determining if a defendant is competent to stand trial, to assist in one’s own defense can be daunting. The road to restoring a defendant to competency can be arduous and leave some people in an incarcerated limbo for weeks or even months.
This mont...2022-01-1733 min
Court Leader's AdvantageAfter Two Years of COVID: What Do We Know Now About Courts, Safety, and Privacy? Question of Ethics: A Video Conversation on Courts and Ethics Winter 2021 EditionThese last two turbulent years have brought into sharp relief the dynamic tension between a court’s duty to keep both employees and the public safe, and the duty to respect the privacy and the personal choices of those very same employees and the public. This conversation is taking place at a time when many of us thought (or at least hoped), that these kinds of discussions were behind us. We could move on. Yet, as of December of 2021 the recent appearance of yet another COVID variant has raised a new round of concerns.
Three examples suggest po...2021-12-2438 min
Court Leader's AdvantageThe Voice of the Profession: Public Confidence in the CourtsDecember 21st Court Leader’s Advantage Podcast Episode
The preliminary results from NACM’s Voice of the Profession survey have revealed folks' number one issue this year: Public Confidence in the Courts. Over 95% of those responding reported that they either agreed or strongly agreed that NACM needs to advocate on behalf of the courts regarding the public’s confidence in our court system. This result is no surprise. The 2021 National Center for State Courts “State of the Courts” survey conducted this past October reported that public trust and confidence in the courts has sunk to a new low: 64%.2021-12-2023 min
Court Leader's AdvantageWhat We Know Now About Mental Health and the Courts: Grasping the ChallengeNovember 16th Court Leader’s Advantage Podcast Episode
The challenge of mental illness is impacting America nationwide. It impacts our states, our communities, our courts, and our entire justice system. The courts are at the center of the clash between competing funding choices, community concerns, and those struggling with behavioral health issues.
Local jails and detention centers are the largest providers of mental health services in the country. That’s for both adults and children. In 44 states a jail or prison holds more mentally ill individuals than the state’s largest psychiatric hospital. On the other h...2021-11-1543 min
Court Leader's AdvantageThe Battle Over Bail Reform: How 5 Courts are Coping with the ChallengeTuesday, October 19, 2021, Court Leader’s Advantage Podcast Episode
The national movement to reduce or eliminate cash bail continues to spark heated discussion. Several states, including New Jersey and Alaska, have instituted bail reform. Other states such as California have repeatedly seen attempts at reform fail, either in the legislature or at the ballot box. Proponents argue that bail criminalize poverty. Bail doesn’t keep the most dangerous in jail, it keeps the poorest. Opponents point to reported instances where bail reform was followed by an uptick in crime.
This month we are looking at the ongo...2021-10-1836 min
Court Leader's AdvantageDefending Against Cyberattacks! What to Ask to Make Sure You are SafeTuesday, October 5, 2021, Court Leader’s Advantage Podcast Episode
A cyberattack is truly a different kind of threat, but that threat is real and growing. It takes a different kind of approach to defend against such an attack. Different questions need to be asked well before an attack occurs. Cybersecurity experts advise that having responses to these questions is essential to effectively preparing for and responding to an attack. In this episode we are talking to several court professionals who have endured a cyberattack on their court. We will be exploring questions on how to prepare your court to...2021-10-0435 min
Court Leader's AdvantageCourts and Cyberattacks! It’s Not “If” – It’s “When”Tuesday, September 21, 2021, Court Leader’s Advantage Podcast Episode
Threats from cyberattacks can be easily ignored by courts. There are many rationalizations:
“Our court is too small to worry about cyberattacks”
“We have a great firewall that keeps everything out”
“Our employees change their passwords every three months just like clockwork”
“Everyone has been told not to open suspicious email attachments”
Often the perspective can be “We’re good”
You are good until the morning you fire up your desktop only to find a black screen with the words “pay $50...2021-09-2036 min
Court Leader's AdvantageJudicial Performance Management: What is the World Thinking Now?IACA’s Global Conversation Podcast Summer 2021
Measuring judicial performance is a burning topic in many countries around the globe. How to balance the need for timely case resolution with the necessity for just results is a question many court experts have often pondered. Today, our panel of international court professionals will discuss the implications of measuring judicial performance. This episode delves into a number of questions surrounding measuring judicial performance:
· How do you use the performance measures?
· Who gets to see the data?
· What effects does automating judicial performance measurement have?
2021-09-1738 min
Court Leader's AdvantageCourts of Record, Judicial Selection, Should Everyone Get a Lawyer? What Can We Learn from Challenges Local Courts Face Every Day?Tuesday, August 17, 2021, Court Leader’s Advantage Podcast Episode
Local Courts can offer incredible opportunity for both defendants and for the community. They are positioned precisely at a point to curtail dangerous behavior before it grows worse. The array of problem-solving courts nationally, often managed on a shoestring budget, is astounding. This does not make up for the fact that local courts are often neglected. They are frequently disparaged. In some cases, they manifest structural flaws that clearly need to be corrected. All the while, we remember that local courts are the place where most of the public ob...2021-08-1633 min
Court Leader's AdvantageExamining Local Courts: Uncovering the Real StoryTuesday, July 20, 2021, Court Leader’s Advantage Podcast Episode
Local Courts are the least analyzed components of the American court system. This is particularly ironic since there are thousands of local courts, far more than there are courts of general jurisdiction. It has been estimated that they process over three and a half million criminal cases and collect at least two billion dollars in fines and fees annually.
When we talk about preserving the public’s trust and confidence in America’s courts, we often miss that most citizens gain their first-hand experience from dealing with a loca...2021-07-1934 min
Court Leader's AdvantageInternational Rule of Law Assignments: Asking Questions that Change LivesTuesday, June 15, 2021, Court Leader’s Advantage Podcast Episode
Long days of travel, strange hotels, and strange food. Yes, international assignments can include all of these. But it can also afford the opportunity to make real change and create real change in yourself. This month we are talking to folks who have engaged in international rule of law assignments in countries around the world.
We’re asking questions about international assignments. Did the folks on assignment make a difference? What were the political and cultural hurdles these people had to overcome? Do you need to know the...2021-06-1431 min
Court Leader's AdvantageNACM’s International Committee: Are You Ready for the Adventure?Tuesday, May 18, 2021 Court Leader’s Advantage Podcast Episode
International work can be challenging. It can also be very rewarding. No matter what, it is an adventure you will remember for the rest of your life. Have you thought about it? Wondered if it was for you? Where would you even go to get answers to your questions?
This month we are talking to folks who have served as consultants on rule of law assignments in countries across the globe. From Russia, to Vietnam, to the Pacific Islands, these panelists have seen it all. Now you wi...2021-05-1743 min
Court Leader's AdvantageWhat Is the Key to Effective Communication? Let’s Hear from You!Tuesday, April 27, 2021 Court Leader’s Advantage Podcast Episode
This week we are continuing our April 20th conversation with our panel on what is the key to effective communication, particularly during the pandemic. This week our panel covers topics including rumors and misinformation, the importance of “virtual water cooler” time, and the challenge of delivering unwelcome news.
You will remember that we asked you viewers to send in your thoughts on what was the key to effective communication. We received some great ideas, so we asked several folks to give us their advice on what makes for ef...2021-04-2528 min
Court Leader's AdvantageWhat is The Key to Effective Communication? Particularly During the PandemicTuesday, April 20, 2021 Court Leader’s Advantage Podcast Episode
It seems that at some point in every class the facilitator utters those words, “communication is key.” We all know however, that communication must be effective to make a difference. So, what is the key to making communication effective?
In this episode, we are going to explore communication. How to make it count. How to avoid wasting time for you and your employees. Specifically, we will look at:
· How effective has court communication been during the pandemic?
· Are there different approaches to effectively communic...2021-04-1928 min
Practical Wisdom from the Word of GodTell My Disciples.....And PeterIn Mark 16 the angel tells the women who came to the tomb that Jesus will meet them in Galilee. He says, "Tell my disciple.....and Peter." Why did he single Peter out. The answer is an important part of the resurrection story. Join me as we see something beautiful in the Word.
For Written Teachings visit: https://wjkiefer.wordpress.com/
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bill-kiefer/support2021-04-0427 min
Court Leader's AdvantageWhat You Need to Know About Juvenile Detention and Placement Decision-Making and COVIDTuesday, March 16, 2021, Court Leader’s Advantage Podcast Episode
The Coronavirus has created a crisis in America’s jails and prisons. Many of these facilities have become COVID hotspots. Although sometimes overlooked, the pandemic also poses an enormous risk for juveniles who are detained. It is surprising to learn that, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, there were actually more young people in detention in December of last year than in April when the pandemic was new. And a greater proportion of those young people were Black and Latino.
To investigate this alarming situation, Drexel Univ...2021-03-1542 min
Court Leader's AdvantageTelework: Is There A Secret to Effective Management?Thursday, February 18, 2021, Court Leader’s Advantage Podcast Episode
Back in October of 2019, for most courts, working remotely from home was a privilege granted to a small number of court employees. It seemed to be granted mostly to Court Technology workers and Executive Office staff who were working on some major project. Who would have thought that just six months later, courts across the country would be engaged in promoting telework to many if not most of their employees? This has been a profound cultural shift that is almost unheard of in court administration.
We now ha...2021-02-1740 min
Court Leader's AdvantageLocal Courts: Their Complex Issues and How Are They Solving Them?Thursday, January 28, 2021, Court Leader’s Advantage Podcast Bonus Episode
Welcome to a bonus episode on how local courts are facing and solving their many complex issues. As mentioned in last week’s episode, these local suburban and rural jurisdictions are very often the representative of the judicial branch in much of America. We are continuing our conversation with clerks of court and court administrators from one and two judge courts around the country. We are chatting about the current issues facing local courts including automated case management systems, teleconferencing, telework, and training in smaller jurisdictions. How are thes...2021-01-2715 min
Court Leader's AdvantageLocal Courts: Their Complex Issues And How Are They Solving Them?Court Leader’s Advantage Podcast: January 2021 Episode
When we talk about the challenges confronting America’s judicial branch, we often focus on the concerns and accomplishments of large metropolitan courts. After all, they are often the ones that have more money and more resources to throw at a problem. However, a survey conducted several years ago, revealed that almost 65% of all courts in the United States had benches of fewer than four judges.
In a large portion of our country, these local suburban and often rural jurisdictions, these local courts are the representative of the judic...2021-01-2033 min
Court Leader's AdvantageThe Courts and COVID: What's Been the Global Response?IACA’s Global Conversation Podcast, Thursday, December 31, 2020
Brought to You By the: International Association for Court Administration
The Coronavirus pandemic has been a scourge across the globe. It has also been one of the longest lasting and most widespread crises in recent times. It has affected every component of government in every nation that has had to deal with COVID-19. How have court systems in different countries coped with the pandemic? This podcast asks court leaders from around the world about issues important to the administration of justice. This episode will explore how courts around the...2020-12-2941 min
Court Leader's AdvantageWildfires, Protests, and COVID: How Have Courts Coped with Compounding Crises? Part TwoThursday, December 17, 2020, Court Leader's Advantage Podcast Episode
Part two of a conversation with our panel of court administrators whose courts have endured multiple concurrent crises. They had to deal with questions of allowing protestors into the courthouse because it is a public building while worrying about vandalism. They struggled to maintain a semblance of an operation with courthouses that were closed for months at a time. They had to keep air circulation open to eliminate the Coronavirus yet close the vents to prevent breathing in wildfire smoke. We have so much to learn from their solutions they...2020-12-1635 min
Court Leader's AdvantageWildfires, Protests, and COVID: How Have Courts Coped with Compounding Crises? Part OneThursday, November 19, 2020, Podcast Episode
Unbelievably, the expression “we are living in unprecedented times” has become a cliché. Since early 2020, so much has happened to us, so quickly, and with so little warning that the only response anyone seems to have is “Well, now what?” Still, because so many extraordinary events have occurred this year, 2020 has much to teach us.
We are talking with court administrators whose courts have endured nightly violent demonstrations that have lasted for months, wildfires that have turned day to night and made the air unbreathable and, of course, the Coronavirus. This is part o...2020-11-2333 min
Court Leader's AdvantageCourt Professionals and Protests: What Should You Be Thinking About Now? Bonus Episode from the July 2020 PodcastOur July Court Leader’s Advantage video podcast episode on courts and protest marches has garnered considerable interest. Over 300 viewers have accessed the episode. Among those who watched the episode was Norman Meyer, Retired Clerk of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Mexico, who wrote in two questions to ask about court employees, protest marches, our first amendment rights, and the NACM Model Code of Conduct. Norman joins the episode to ask his two questions.
About the Guest Speaker:
Norman Meyer retired after serving for 38 years as a court administrator in bo...2020-11-1716 min
Style und kein Geld#22: Kiefer-Notfall & unsere KindheitPeter hatte den mühsamsten Kiefer-Notfall den man sich nur vorstellen kann, doch unser alter Pete lässt sich von solchen Rückschlägen nicht unterkriegen! Stärker denn je melden wir uns mit einer neuen Folge Style und kein Geld - dem geerdeten Erfolgspodcast 2020-10-1838 min
Court Leader's AdvantageDiversity and Inclusion: Why Is It Even More Important Now? Part TwoFor decades we court professionals have committed ourselves to the practice diversity and inclusion. We make this commitment to earn the public’s trust and confidence in our nation’s courts. This dedication is ongoing; the work still continues.
The goals of diversity and inclusion affirm our pledge to fairness, equity, impartiality, trust, and accountability. They also enhance decision-making, innovation, resiliency, responsiveness, employee engagement, and the delivery of services. Courts are constantly confronted by the demand for more access, the desire for equality, and the erosion of that very public trust and confidence we have pledged to earn...2020-10-1546 min
Court Leader's AdvantageDiversity and Inclusion: Why Is It Even More Important Now? Part OneOver the last forty years, our nation’s courts have been committed to diversity and inclusion, in order to live up to the ideals of fairness and equality, and to build public trust and confidence. While we can point to many improvements, there is still much work to be done.
The lessons learned from diversity and inclusion practices point to benefits beyond just furthering the institutional values of fairness, equity, impartiality, trust, and accountability. They also improve decision-making, innovation, resiliency, responsiveness, employee engagement, and delivery of services.
Institutions like courts today are challenged by the sp...2020-09-1740 min
Court Leader's AdvantageThe Coronavirus: How are Courts Coping with the Crisis? Thursday, June 25, 2020 Episode:COOPs and the Coronavirus: The Lessons May Surprise You
Courts are now in the midst of reopening, yet the Coronavirus is still very much with us. Right now, the United States has had over 2.3 million confirmed cases with over 26,000 new cases reported just yesterday. We have experienced 121,000 deaths from the virus and new projections predict that we will top 200,000 by the fall. In over a third of the country, the infection rate is actually increasing. This alone makes this crisis different from any courts have ever faced before. If it were a hurricane, a tornado, or an...2020-06-2441 min
Court Leader's AdvantageThe Coronavirus: How are Courts Coping with the Crisis? Thursday, June 18, 2020 Episode:Your Court Restarting Trials? Here’s What Works
As courts are reopening, many have already held their first trials. Others are planning to start trials in the next month or two. Whether they are conducted in-courtroom, or via video conference-calls, trials are going to look different for some time into the future. What will change for those coming to the courthouse? What will a trial on a video conference-call look like? To help manage this process, The Federal Judiciary just released a report on June 4 titled, “Conducting Jury Trials and Convening Grand Juries During the Pandemic.”
The...2020-06-1728 minCourt Leader's AdvantageThe Coronavirus: How are Courts Coping with the Crisis? Thursday, June 11, 2020 EpisodeBudget Strategies: What Have We Learned from the Lockdown?
About three weeks ago, May 14, 2020, the financial crisis was looming, but the details were still vague. Since then several courts have been forced to begin budget cuts that have included layoffs and furloughs. Yet even now all we can say about the national situation is, it remains fluid. Dread over the upcoming economic statistics turned to excitement on Friday, June 5th as the unemployment numbers were better than expected. Still, unemployment remains well above the highest numbers seen during the 2008 recession. What do we know now after several...2020-06-1036 min
Court Leader's AdvantageThe Coronavirus: How are Courts Coping with the Crisis? Thursday, June 4, 2020 Episode:Courts and Protest! also Virtual Hearings: What Have We Learned After Three Months?
The events that have transpired since late February of this year defy classification.
· A pandemic the likes of which this country has not seen since the 1918 Spanish flu
· Unemployment numbers that rival the 1929 Great Depression
· Now protests and riots in dozens of American cities sparked by the killing of an unarmed African-American man in Minneapolis.
Protests and the Courts
This episode was to focus on virtual hearings, and we will still discuss this topic, yet...2020-06-0329 min
Court Leader's AdvantageThe Coronavirus: How are Courts Coping with the Crisis? Thursday, May 28, 2020 Episode:What Will the Courthouse of the Future Look Like?
As more courts reopen many practical problems are emerging. How to social distance in courthouses and courtrooms that are ill-equipped for this kind of crisis? What kinds of traffic and crowd management tools are available? What will courthouses look like ten or fifteen years from now?
The panel discusses how courts will manage crowds of court users congregating at the courthouse entrance; thermal testing; litigant scheduling for high volume calendars; and physical changes to courtrooms themselves. Panel members also give their predictions as to what the...2020-05-2832 min
Court Leader's AdvantageThe Coronavirus: How are Courts Coping with the Crisis? Thursday, May 21, 2020 EpisodeReady to Reopen: What You Should Be Thinking About Now
Almost all states have reopened, yet the future is still uncertain as COVID cases continue to climb and a vaccine appears unlikely before 2021. Courts are faced with an ever-growing array of challenges. Keeping employees, judicial staffs, litigants, and attorneys safe while reopening courthouses. Dealing with an ever-growing backlog of cases. Restarting court operations that ground to a halt months ago. Facing the possibility of enormous budget shortfalls. Solutions are scarce and the need for innovation has never been greater.
The panel discusses how courts will...2020-05-2031 min
Court Leader's AdvantageThe Coronavirus: How are Courts Coping with the Crisis? Thursday, May 14, 2020 EpisodeBudget Cuts: The Crisis in a Crisis
As if the Coronavirus crisis was not enough, our country now faces the worst unemployment figures since the 1929 Great Depression. People not working means people unable to pay taxes. State and local governments are experiencing staggering declines in tax revenue. Sales taxes are decreasing since, despite states reopening, many people are still not going to stores or restaurants. Withholding taxes have been reduced as millions have been laid off. Income tax revenue will start to shrink into next year as those who are out of work file their tax returns. F...2020-05-1330 min
Court Leader's AdvantageThe Coronavirus: How are Courts Coping with the Crisis? Thursday, May 7, 2020 Episode Is It Time to Reopen?
It has been nearly two months since the President declared a national health emergency. Twenty-two states have reopened or partially reopened; another six have plans to reopen in the near future. This while the other twenty-two states have extended their orders to remain closed or have no reopening date set. Even though nationwide, deaths from the Coronavirus have not significantly lessened, the trend toward reopening is clear. How are courts responding? Have they set a date to resume jury trials?
And now, the specter of government budget shorts falls loom d...2020-05-0643 min
Court Leader's AdvantageThe Coronavirus: How are Courts Coping with the Crisis? Thursday, April 30, 2020 EpisodeMany jails and prisons across the country have now become coronavirus hotspots. For example, news reports about the infamous Rikers Island jail in New York estimate that 12 hundred inmates are infected and 10 have died. An estimated 800 correctional officers have been infected and of those 8 have passed. There are estimates that over 560 prisoners in federal custody have tested positive and 24 have died.
Social distancing in jail is impossible. So, across the country, large numbers of inmates are being released to reduce the risk of spreading the virus. Of course, there are also risks from releasing inmates. Some released...2020-04-2928 minCourt Leader's AdvantageThe Coronavirus: How are Courts Coping with the Crisis? Thursday, April 23, 2020 EpisodeThe Nation now moves to the end of its second month battling the pandemic. The infection rate has climbed into the hundreds of thousands; the death toll has reached well beyond 45,000. This week we continue our weekly podcast series, “Coronavirus: How are Courts Coping with the Crisis,” in a conversation with our panelists.
Numerous courts have been closed for over a month because of the virus. As a result, many are experimenting with court staff teleworking. In fact, we may be witnessing the first truly nationwide experiment ever of court employees teleworking. How are court staff taking to t...2020-04-2235 min
Court Leader's AdvantageThe Coronavirus: How are Courts Coping with the Crisis? April 16, 2020 EpisodeThe Nation continues to face the desolation caused by the Coronavirus pandemic.
The profound impact of this health calamity continues to bear down on the courts, court staff, our collaborative partners and court users. As part of our continuing weekly podcast series focusing on how courts are coping with the Coronavirus crisis, we look at how courts are turning to technology to help maintain operations.
Before the crisis, virtual hearings were a minor part of the court operations landscape. Now they are being aggressively explored as one solution to help keep courts up and running...2020-04-1527 min
Court Leader's AdvantageThe Coronavirus: How are Courts Coping with the Crisis? April 9, 2020 EpisodeThe Coronavirus pandemic continues to devastate and confound the country. It has been a mere ten weeks since the first case appeared in the United States. This week our panelists talk about communicating in the crisis. How does your court communicate with employees and with justice system partners? How does your court communicate to make major decisions like suspending jury trials and closing courthouses? Finally, what were the lessons learned this week?
Our Panelists
Mark A. Weinberg is the Court Administrator for the Seventh Judicial Circuit in Daytona Beach, Florida. Prior to his current position, he...2020-04-0827 min
Court Leader's AdvantageThe Coronavirus: How are Courts Coping with the Crisis? April 2, 2020 EpisodeThe scourge of the Coronavirus is a national emergency unlike anything we have seen in modern times. It is affecting all aspects of our lives and work. The virus is having a profound impact on how American courts are coping. Throughout the crisis, we will have weekly podcast episodes with a “rotating panel” of guests that will answer the question, “How are courts and court administrators dealing with the coronavirus on a daily basis?”
This week's panelists:
Zenell Brown is the Executive Court Administrator in Detroit, Michigan. Zenell has a Juris Doctor from Wayne State University...2020-04-0123 min
Court Leader's AdvantageCan Courts Lead in Solving the Opioid Crisis?Over 10 million Americans misused opioids in 2018, which includes over 800,000 heroin users. In 2016, there were more than 64,000 overdose deaths in the United States; in 2017 overdose deaths jumped to over 70,000. This is a number that continues to grow in at least 23 states. Opioid addiction is a crisis that defies age and sex differences; it defies county and state lines; up to now it has defied all attempts to curb this plague. No one questions that opioid addiction is a national crisis and it is not slacking off.
Are the nation’s courts ready to take the lead in fighting th...2020-03-1657 min
Court Leader's AdvantageIs It Time for a Fresh Look at Cell Phones and Courts?For better or worse we can no longer live without our Smartphones. We use them to talk and text our friends; they keep our appointments, pictures, and business notes; they help us with research; they track of our children; they allow us to call 911 in an emergency. It’s a wonder how we ever lived without them, yet they have been here a mere 13 years, arriving in 2007.
Smartphones have become a part of court process. They carry messages, photos, and information that are evidence in court hearings and trials. Yet, many courts forbid people from even having th...2020-02-1744 min
Court Leader's AdvantageIs Bail Reform Working? Charlotte’s Revealing StoryIt has been estimated that nationally, more than 60 percent of people in jail have not been convicted of a crime, they are awaiting trial. Almost 500,000 defendants are in jail pretrial because they cannot afford to post bail. Three-quarters of pretrial detainees have been charged with a drug or property crime. They could remain incarcerated for days, months, and sometimes even years. They could lose their jobs, lose contact with loved ones, and lose the ability to care for their families. Many courts across the country are implementing bail reform. Bail reform allows more defendants charged with lower-level crimes to...2020-01-1341 min
Court Leader's AdvantageDealing with the Generations: What Do Good Managers Understand?Managing the multigenerational workplace is more demanding today than ever before. Why is it now such a challenge? One reason: we are living and working longer. If you were born today, you could expect to live 79 years, that is 18 years longer than if you were born in 1935. Another reason: technology is changing our lives and the rate of that change is increasing. Once, just being a 30-year veteran of an organization made you a valued expert. Today, we are valued for our technical expertise in mastering artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and social media. Does assigning traits to the different generations...2019-12-1737 min
Court Leader's AdvantageSocial Media and the Courts: How Do We Deal with This Growing Reality?Blogs and podcasts are a growing fixture on our social landscape. There are now more than 750,000 podcasts produced and over 48 million people a week listen to a podcast. Estimates are that billions of people worldwide read one or more blogs on the internet. This is a fact that courts face along with all government institutions. When grappling with the media, courts can no longer deal simply with the city newspaper and local television reporters. Bloggers and podcasters demand equal treatment with traditional media outlets. What advice do we have for courts that are facing the challenge of social media’s...2019-11-1938 min
Court Leader's AdvantageWhat Generation X and Millennials are Saying About the Workplace: Three PerspectivesThe Pew Research Center estimates that right now there are more Millennials than Baby Boomers in America. By 2030 Millennials and Gen Zs will make up 75% of the workforce. A Gallup Poll found that 21% of Millennials had changed jobs within the last year, that’s three times more than other generations. On top of this demographic shift, technological innovation is increasing exponentially. The American workforce is racing toward a major generational transformation within the next ten years. Will the emerging generations demand new ways of doing business and managing employees? How will the generations impact the courts? What can court adm...2019-10-1421 min
Court Leader's AdvantageSuddenly He Was There: Is Your Court Prepared for a Shooting Tragedy?Shooting incidents are becoming a scourge on the American landscape and courthouses are certainly not immune. An incident can last only seconds but the trauma to court staff and the unsuspecting public can live on and on. If a calamity occurs, we face the triple challenge: emergency decisions and communications, dealing with law enforcement and a crime scene, and maintaining or reestablishing ongoing operations. What can your staff and your court do to prepare? What do we keep in mind if it happens? What can we learn from professionals who have dealt with these issues in real time? Patricia...2019-09-1647 min
Court Leader's AdvantageThe Network’s On the Phone: Pulling Back the Curtain on High Profile TrialsFrom O.J. Simpson, to Trayvon Martin and Casey Anthony, we have become used to the media targeting trials and turning them into spectacles. Many in the public see them as entertainment; often they become a lightning rod for political controversy. All the while jurors must be protected and citizens must be able to conduct their regular business with the court. These challenges can prove an enormous test for a typical trial court. When do you know a trial will turn into a media event? What can your court do to prepare? Michelle Kennedy and Karen Levey share their...2019-08-0939 min
Court Leader's AdvantageHeld for Ransom: How Safe is Your Data?Ransomware attacks are running rampant throughout the nation. Atlanta, Georgia; Lake City, Florida; Albany, New York; and Del Rio, Texas have all been victims. Most recently the Georgia Administrative Office of the Courts was attacked. Local agencies can be crippled for weeks with no data, no internet, no email, and no way to conduct business. Is your court prepared? Can you stop it? How would you even know? Rashida Davis and Stephen Nevels recount their experiences battling attacks on their courts.
This is a fascinating episode for listeners interested in cybersecurity, ransomware such as Ryuk and Sam Sa...2019-07-1529 min
Court Leader's AdvantageIs AI Already Here? The Answers May Startle YouYou may not be aware, but artificial intelligence (AI) has already established itself in our daily lives. From Amazon to Alexa, sophisticated algorithms affect much of what we do. The next ten years will see advancements in electronic decision-making, facial recognition, language translation, and voice-to-text. Are you willing to accept the cost in loss of privacy due to AI’s insatiable thirst for data for the benefit in added productivity? What will be the new careers in AI world? Abhijeet Chavan and IV Ashton walk us through some of the inner workings of AI, some expectations in areas like Na...2019-06-2436 min
Court Leader's AdvantageBlockchain: Is It Your Court's Future?“. . . we’ve been thinking a lot about the explosion of digital evidence. . . terabytes of audio-video footage from body-worn cameras, web cameras at every corner, video recordings from everyone’s smartphone devices . . . Blockchain holds a lot of promise for managing all that.”
Blockchain is a tool that could change the way organizations handle money. Its built-in safeguards prevent electronic hacking. Beyond accounting, it could secure the authenticity of court documents and even identities. But are we willing to pay the price for all security?
Paul Embley and Di Graski explore the opportunities to courts and the limits o...2019-05-1426 min
Court Leader's AdvantageBonus Episode: When Might Blockchain Appear in Your Court“. . . [Blockchain records] could soon be used in a variety of innovative ways to resolve court record keeping challenges. At the same time, Blockchain presents new legal issues that courts must be prepared to address.”
This is an audio recitation of a paper written by Di Graski and Paul Embley titled “When Might Blockchain Appear in Your Court?” The paper appeared in the 2018 edition of Trends in State Courts published by the National Center for State Courts.
This episode will appeal to listeners interested in trial courts, court administration, emerging technologies, digital security, and accounting and finance...2019-05-1415 min
Court Leader's AdvantageAlaska’s Earthquake: Its Surprising Lessons Show Notes
On November 30, 2018, Anchorage, Alaska, suffered a magnitude 7.1 earthquake followed by thousands of aftershocks. The quake was larger than the infamous 1989 Loma Prieta, California event. How did the Alaska Court System’s emergency response plans hold up? What can we learn from Alaska’s experience and its preparations? Christine Johnson and Alyce Roberts share their experiences and their insights having dealt firsthand with this powerful force of nature.
When we think of earthquakes, we think of California however Alaska’s quake was larger than the infamous 1989 Loma Prieta event (a.k.a. the World Series Quake...2019-04-1535 min
Court Leader's AdvantageArtificial Intelligence: What You Need to Know NowArtificial Intelligence (A.I.) has already brought us general business tools that courts can use to assist in automating work, analyzing documents, and conducting legal analysis. As a start, courts will need to put their information into an electronic format that can be used by A.I. tools. They will also need to re-engineer their business practices. Small courts will have to be assertive in making their needs known. But, exactly how will A.I. tools help courts and what will we, as citizens, give up in privacy in order to maximize A.I.’s potential? Alan Carlson along wi...2019-03-1923 min
Court Leader's AdvantageWhat Hurricane Florence Can Teach UsLast September, Hurricane Florence devastated North Carolina's families, communities, and its trial courts. Court administrators Ellen Hancox and Caitlin Emmons tell how they made it through the storm, cared for their families, and managed to keep their courts afloat. What lessons can we take away from their experience?
To cope, people had to come up with “contingency plans for their contingency plans” in order to deal with a storm that upended lives and work. Ellen and Caitlin talk about how their courts and their families endured, including judges who had not fully recovered from the previous hurricane (Matthe...2019-03-1937 min