Gavel Talks, the Judicial Division’s podcast for judges. We started with the idea of informative videos and podcasts by judges for judges. But when the COVID-19 pandemic hit we switched to an informal radio-style program and found that more judges are able to share their knowledge and experience because we made it very easy for them to participate.
The mix of knowledge sharing is eclectic. Besides podcasts with tips for new judges the Gavel Talks repertoire includes:
- The challenges and benefits of DWI courts with Texas Judge Robert Anchondo.
- Crisis communications during the COVID-19 pandemic with former CNN correspondent Dan Ronan, a crisis communications consultant.
- A view of the bench from John Smietanka, former United States Attorney for the Western District of Michigan who has practiced in federal and state courts for 50 years.
- Justice for Vets: Montana Judge Mary Jane Knisely takes us inside her veterans’ treatment court and offers advice on how to get one started in your community.
- Project Renew: Alabama Judge Andra Sparks discusses the Birmingham Municipal Court’s driver’s license restoration and retention initiatives.
- A discussion on making courts “user friendly” with Chief Justice Bridget Mary McCormack of the Michigan Supreme Court.
- There ought to a law: Wisconsin Judge Mary K. Wagner, a former state legislator, offers advice on how judges can ethically work for improvements in the law and legal procedure.
Streamlining the process makes it easier (and hopefully painless) for judges to share their knowledge. If you have a topic you think we should present contact me. I’ll set up a mutually convenient telephone interview (typically around 20 minutes) and after final editing the audio file will be forwarded to the Judicial Division staff for distribution.