Justice Speakers Institute

This episode of Justice Speaks examines public defense in the U.S. Virgin Islands with Deputy Chief Public Defender Howard Phillips. Drawing on decades of courtroom experience, Phillips discusses the territory’s court structure, systemic challenges, speedy-trial concerns, and the realities of defending indigent clients in one of the nation’s most unique jurisdictions. The post Public Defense on the Edge of the Map: A Conversation with Howard Phillips appeared first on Justice Speakers Institute.

This Justice Speaks episode examines how treatment court data supports accountability, credibility, and growth nationwide. Dr. Kristen DeVall of the National Treatment Court Resource Center discusses research, national tools, and collaboration that help treatment courts move beyond anecdote and strengthen evidence-based decision making across all court models. The post Treatment Court Data and National Infrastructure with Dr. DeVall appeared first on Justice Speakers Institute.

In this episode of Justice Speaks, Justice Elizabeth Clement, President of the National Center for State Courts, examines judicial independence and the future of state courts. Drawing on her experience as Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court, she discusses court leadership, public trust, and preparing courts for emerging challenges. The post Judicial Independence and Court Leadership: A Conversation with Justice Elizabeth Clement  appeared first on Justice Speakers Institute.

This episode explores advancing community supervision with Cobi Tittle, Director of Tarrant County CSCD and President of NAPE. She discusses leadership, data-driven decision-making, the evolving role of probation officers, technology’s promise, and the need to refocus probation on rehabilitation as a vital public-safety strategy. Sponsored by Reconnect. The post Advancing Community Supervision: A Conversation with Cobi Tittle appeared first on Justice Speakers Institute.

In this episode of Justice Speaks, Ms. Rachel Varela, Deputy Therapeutic Court Program Coordinator for the Alaska Court System, shares how Alaska’s therapeutic courts are expanding access to justice across vast and diverse communities. She discusses statewide innovations in training, technology, and collaboration that strengthen recovery and rehabilitation outcomes. The post Advancing Therapeutic Courts Across Alaska with Ms. Rachel Varela appeared first on Justice Speakers Institute.

In this episode, Justice Speaks features Phil Bowen, Director of the Centre for Justice Innovation. Bowen discusses evidence-based reforms transforming the British justice system, from diversion and smarter sentencing to procedural fairness and the Common Ground Justice Project, all aimed at building a fairer and more effective system. The post The Centre for Justice Innovation: Building a Smarter and Fairer Justice System with Phil Bowen appeared first on Justice Speakers Institute.

In this episode of Justice Speaks, Ms. Rachael Mark of the Oregon Judicial Department discusses how Oregon’s Treatment Courts are strengthening justice through data, training, and collaboration. She shares insights on funding models, innovation, and building sustainable systems that improve lives across the state. The post Building Better Treatment Courts in Oregon with Ms. Rachael Mark appeared first on Justice Speakers Institute.

In this Justice Speaks episode, Amber Gregory, Executive Director of the Texas Association of Specialty Courts, discusses her leadership role in supporting judges, coordinators, and staff. She highlights the Resource Center’s training, peer reviews, statewide conference planning, and efforts to strengthen specialty courts through collaboration and evidence-based practices. The post Amber Gregory on Texas Specialty Courts and Leadership appeared first on Justice Speakers Institute.

In this Justice Speaks episode, Kansas State Treatment Court Coordinator Dawn Huddleston discusses her career journey, statewide program management, and the future of Kansas specialty courts. She highlights funding innovations, statewide training efforts, and the importance of collaboration and evidence-based practices to strengthen treatment courts and expand access to life-changing services. The post Kansas State Specialty Court Coordinator: Dawn Huddleston’s Vision appeared first on Justice Speakers Institute.

This episode of Justice Speaks features Judge Alan Blankenship, who shares his journey from CPA to judge and his leadership in Missouri treatment courts. He discusses veterans’ treatment court outcomes, statewide funding, drug testing protocols, mentor court designation, and the future of evidence-based best practices in specialized courts. The post Missouri Treatment Courts with Judge Alan Blankenship appeared first on Justice Speakers Institute.

In this episode of Justice Speaks, Texas Treatment Court Coordinator Erin Morgan discusses her path into justice work, the creation of data standards for Texas courts, funding innovations like the Ruben Reyes Act, and plans for a statewide case management system, highlighting her pivotal role in advancing specialty courts in Texas. The post Insights from Texas Treatment Court Coordinator Erin Morgan appeared first on Justice Speakers Institute.

In this episode of Justice Speaks, Judge Nancy Butts reflects on nearly 30 years on the bench and her pioneering role in Pennsylvania’s treatment courts. From trauma-informed care to national justice reform, she offers powerful insights on leadership, compassion, and the future of probation and community supervision. The post Judge Nancy Butts on Treatment Courts, Reform, and Redemption appeared first on Justice Speakers Institute.

In this episode of Justice Speaks, Kamesha Falana shares insights from her 30-year career and her leadership in Wake County's treatment court. Learn how trauma-informed, evidence-based practices, local partnerships, and dedicated funding have made the program a model for supporting individuals with substance use disorders and co-occurring challenges. The post Kamesha Falana: Advancing Treatment Courts in Wake County appeared first on Justice Speakers Institute.

In this episode of Justice Speaks, Richard Gordon, Iowa’s Statewide Treatment Court Coordinator, shares his career journey, outlines Iowa’s treatment court models, addresses funding challenges, and highlights recent program developments like impaired driving tracks. He emphasizes the need for statewide training, regional partnerships, and rural treatment access to advance evidence-based practices. The post Advancing Iowa’s Treatment Courts: Insights from the State Treatment Court Coordinator appeared first on Justice Speakers Institute.

In this episode, Judge Lawton Stephens shares his three-decade journey on the bench, offering insights into Georgia’s evolving accountability courts. From launching drug courts to chairing statewide judicial conferences, Judge Stephens discusses the future of treatment courts and the vital role of compassion and structure in criminal justice reform. The post Leadership and Innovation in Georgia’s Accountability Courts appeared first on Justice Speakers Institute.

This episode of Justice Speaks highlights the leadership journey of Chief Daniel Hernandez of the Orange County Probation Department. From juvenile hall to Chief Officer, he shares insights on probation innovation, early intervention, and the qualities of effective probation officers in today’s justice system. The post Transforming Probation Officer Leadership: Chief Daniel Hernandez’s Vision appeared first on Justice Speakers Institute.

Judge Robert Anchondo, Texas’ first DWI treatment court pioneer, reflects on his judicial journey, the evolution of impaired driving courts, and the importance of mentorship and systemic support. This insightful conversation explores challenges and innovations in specialty courts across Texas and beyond. The post Leadership and Legacy: Judge Anchondo on DWI Treatment Court Innovation in Texas appeared first on Justice Speakers Institute.

This Justice Speaks episode highlights Desiree Hermocillo’s leadership in Colorado Problem-Solving Courts. She shares how statewide coordination, funding models, and training initiatives support court innovation. From launching wellness courts to building data systems, Hermocillo outlines strategies that strengthen Colorado’s commitment to therapeutic justice. The post Desiree Hermocillo on Leading Colorado’s Problem-Solving Courts appeared first on Justice Speakers Institute.