2021 Winter Edition

Courts & Judiciary

Director's Column

By Tori Jo Wible, Chicago, IL

As we put 2020 in the rearview mirror, I’ve been thinking about the breadth and depth of the healing that will be necessary; as families who’ve lost loved ones, as co-workers who have lost jobs, offices, a sense of camaraderie, as Americans who’ve lost a sense of normalcy, as humans who have lost touch.

Courts & Judiciary

Public Access During the Pandemic: What Could Go Wrong?

By Ronald J. Hedges, New York, NY

As I write this, federal and state courts across the United States are continuing their daily business of, among other things, hearing and adjudicating disputes. Of course, that daily business includes accepting filings and trying cases, both civil and criminal.

Courts & Judiciary

Judge Laurie Smith Camp

By Grace Colato Martinez, Kansas City, MO

The first female judge to serve on the U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska, the Honorable Laurie Smith Camp, was known throughout her legal career as a trailblazer, an independent thinker, and a fair and thoughtful arbiter of justice.

Courts & Judiciary

Gavel Talks: Sharing and Learning

By Hon. Richard Alan Ginkowski, Pleasant Prairie, WI

Gavel Talks, the Judicial Division’s podcast for judges. We started with the idea of informative videos and podcasts by judges for judges.

Courts & Judiciary

AJC Chair's Column

By Hon. Steven David, Indianapolis, IN

What song would you use to define 2020? Perhaps I could offer some suggestions. Here’s one: “God is great, beer is good… and people are crazy.” I bet we have each chosen one anthem to get us through this past year.

Courts & Judiciary

CAL Chair's Column

By Brian Miller, Corpus Christi, TX

With our virtual Annual Meeting on November 13, the Council of Appellate Lawyers (CAL) wrapped up a most unique year. My predecessor as chair, Deena Schneider, deserves much praise for her leadership in a year of unexpected transition.

Courts & Judiciary

CASA Chair's Column

By William T. Owen, Nashville, TN

As I stepped into my new role as chair of the Council of Appellate Staff Attorneys during CASA’s annual business meeting in November, I reflected not just on how much this past year has differed from my expectations, but on how CASA has responded to the challenges.

Courts & Judiciary

Former Rutgers Law Student Remembers Ruth Bader Ginsburg

By Savannah Potter-Miller, Decatur, GA

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has left the legacy of being the second woman professor at Rutgers University School of Law in Newark, New Jersey from 1963 to 1972.

Courts & Judiciary

LC Chair's Column

By Monica A. Fennell, Indianapolis, IN

As many have noted, courts at all levels are expecting a tsunami of cases as they re-open after closures and restrictions during the pandemic. ABA Free Legal Answers, a virtual legal advice clinic, may be able to help mitigate the flood of cases headed for courthouses.

Courts & Judiciary

NCALJ Chair's Column

By Hon. H. Alexander Manuel, Arlington, VA

This has certainly been an eventful quarter, with major events affecting both our Conference and the broader American legal and political systems. First, the National Conference of the Administrative Law Judiciary joins our Judicial Division brethren in expressing profound sadness at the September 2020 passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Courts & Judiciary

NCFTJ Chair's Column

Hon. Miguel Torres, El Paso, TX

Few aspects of judging are more challenging than sentencing. As a new judge eight years ago, I was surprised and a little unsettled at how fifteen years of criminal defense work had not fully prepared me for the challenge of sentencing a defendant.

Courts & Judiciary

NCSCJ Chair's Column

By Hon. Ronald B. Ramsey, Sr., Decatur, GA

I write this article, with memories of the quietest holidays on record for my family. Hugs have been replaced with air kisses and family gatherings have been replaced with and video streaming to keep everyone safe and well during this pandemic, which continues to rage and ravage.

Courts & Judiciary

ABA Criminal Justice Section Honors Judge Ernestine S. Gray’s Lifetime of Service

By Judge Richard Alan Ginkowski, Pleasant Prairie, WI

On Nov. 20, 2020 the ABA Criminal Justice Section honored Judge Ernestine S. Gray of the Orleans Parish (La.) Juvenile Court, a member and former Chair of the National Conference of Specialized Court Judges Executive Committee and Vice-Chair of the ABA Judicial Division Council, with the section’s Charles R. English award.

Courts & Judiciary

NCSCJ Call for Nominations

The NCSCJ is seeking nominations for the 2022-2023 Executive Committee. Openings include Representatives for District 2, District 5, and District 9, as well as an At-Large District Representative, Vice-Chair, and Chair-Elect.