Scaling Justice

In this episode of "Scaling Justice," we explore the transformative world of Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) with insights from the Massachusetts Trial Court. Discover how technology is revolutionizing the legal landscape by making justice more accessible and efficient. Our expert guest, Caitlin Reddy, Deputy Chief Information Officer for eCourts at Massachusetts Trial Court, shares her experience and lessons learned from implementing ODR. She highlights the challenges and successes of moving from traditional courtrooms to digital platforms. Join us as we explore the future of justice and the innovative solutions that are breaking down barriers and taking us from courtrooms to computers.

As technology continues to evolve more and more quickly, it can feel difficult to keep up. Managing change while you're trying to modernize your court takes work. Fortunately, there are so many court leaders doing amazing things that have great advice to share to help make the process easier.   In our most recent podcast episode, Deborah Comery, Clerk of Court at Rocky River Municipal Court in Ohio (a former Clerk of the Year in Ohio), shares her insights in Lessons on Modernizing Your Court: Discover the Keys to Managing Change Effectively from a Leading Clerk of Court.  In this episode, you'll learn: The most essential part of managing a technology change…and it has nothing to do with technology Important questions to ask any vendor before starting a project How to navigate different types of personalities and job types at a court—from administrative staff and IT employees to Judges

In this episode of Scaling Justice, host Brendan Hughes sits down with Stuart Rosove, General Manager at equivant Court, to explore the evolving landscape of justice technology. Rosove shares insights into the slow adoption of tech in courts, many of which still use outdated systems. Highlighting AI's potential to assist self-represented litigants, Rosove advises court leaders on rethinking workflows and making smart, future-proof decisions. Tune in to hear predictions on emerging technologies and critical action steps for courts to stay ahead.

In this episode, host Brendan Hughes is joined by Judges Jeffrey Adler, William Montgomery, and tech expert Stacey Marz to explore the tech revolution in the judiciary. From initial hurdles like outdated systems and cyberattacks to significant improvements such as e-filing and remote hearings, the panel delves into how technology is transforming courtrooms across the nation. Listen now for valuable insights on navigating and leading technological change in the legal world.

When you improve the docketing process, it helps all stakeholders.   In this episode, Jill Lennon and Tami Ortiz from the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller of Collier County share how they've revolutionized court management in Florida. They use ShowCase, equivant's premier case management system (CMS) specifically configured for Florida laws and procedures. Hear their background in court management, how they use ShowCase along with their own office's automation, how much quicker their process is now, how to use a CMS to match your vision, and their advice for courts looking to improve efficiency.

The importance of implementing a new case management system (CMS) can't be stressed enough. It's the backbone of a highly functional, well-run court that effectively serves its community. But without successful implementation, you might not get the most out of your CMS. In this episode, equivant Director of JWorks Technical Operations Jason Emineth shares how to roll out your new CMS successfully. Hear the important things courts can do to prepare for a new CMS, how to address the amount of time and resources needed, what makes some projects go smoothly and others fail, and the key questions to ask when selecting a vendor.

Get your head into the cloud with equivant's Patricia Jacoby and explore the benefits of hosted case management systems (CMS).  “It's all about accessibility, and cloud-based systems are basically accessible from anywhere.” Patricia Jacoby has more than 29 years of experience in software development, with a focus on court management products.  She regularly speaks with judges, court administrators, and IT staff to ensure case management software addresses their needs. In this podcast, she shares how cloud-based solutions might be the next big thing in helping organizations improve efficiency and drive cost savings.  Host Bio:  Brendan Hughes | Director of Marketing at equivant  A strategic marketing leader with over 20 years of experience leading highly productive, engaged, and creative teams to exceed brand, lead generation, communications, and revenue goals. Mr. Hughes directs equivant's thought-leadership initiatives across the justice industry, bringing the expertise of our innovative solutions to help build more efficient, effective, and equitable justice agencies nationwide.  Guest Bio:  Patricia Jacoby | Director of Development for Court Products  Ms. Jacoby has more than 29 years of professional experience in software development. She has managed the business analyst staff, the development staff, and the quality assurance staff for the entire equivant product line. 

Get out of the file drawer and into automated case management systems (CMS) with equivant's Sherry-Lynn Agcanas-Wolf. The pressures of going virtual can be overwhelming for courts plagued by staffing shortages, limited budgets and resources, and increased demand for services. But the ability to automate CMS processes is safe, secure, and a technology that has been around for years. On Scaling Justice, we speak with Sherry-Lynn Agcanas-Wolf, who has spent over 20 years helping courts run more efficiently. In this podcast, she explores how courts benefit from innovative solutions to simplify their case management and workflow systems.

From a single test case to a thriving mental health program that’s saved $2M in incarceration costs over two years: Prosecutor Jonathan Meyer and the team in Lewis County, Wash., are working to keep people with serious mental illnesses out of jail and in contact with the community resources they need. Hear about the inter-agency collaboration that made it all happen on this episode of Scaling Justice. Podcast recorded on Feb. 4, 2020.

“Your job is to make your data discoverable, not to hoard it.” Paul Wormeli has briefed everyone from the former director of national intelligence who wrote those words to J. Edgar Hoover to local agencies, and his message is clear: Integration and collaboration are key to solving justice problems. For over 50 years, Paul has advocated for data sharing in justice, and he joins Scaling Justice to discuss how data drives more equitable outcomes.

Amy Bach, founder of the non-profit Measures for Justice, lives by the motto: “You can’t change what you can’t see.” Illuminating the truth through data has been her life’s passion, and Amy works with agencies across the country to make meaningful change to promote justice. Hear stories about data research at MSJ, and get advice for how your agency can start moving toward greater transparency and positive change.

The line between health issues and legal issues is frequently blurred, particularly with mental illness and substance use disorders. How can we un-blur that line? How do we get people the help they need while maintaining public safety? Ayesha Delany-Brumsey of the Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center and Stepping Up Initiative joins Scaling Justice to examine health issues in the justice system and what’s making a difference.

Youth crime is down, but the severity of offenses is up. Abuse and neglect are on the rise. Kids today are dealing with a lot, and sometimes, courts have the opportunity to intervene at just the right moment to make a difference. Host Sue Humphreys welcomes the Honorable Judge Anthony Capizzi to talk about juvenile justice, the role of the court, and how alternative interventions are sparking positive change.

A2J has become one of the many buzzwords in the justice sector, but what does true access to justice look like? What can courts do to tip the scales toward accessibility? Join host Sue Humphreys as she digs into court accessibility with special guest Renee Danser, Associate Director of Research and Strategic Partnerships at the Access to Justice Lab at Harvard Law School.     

“People should be able to engage with the court how they would like to.” - Dunrie Greiling, Ph.D, Matterhorn What does the current shift toward citizen-centered technology mean for courts? MJ Cartwright, Court Innovations CEO, and Dunrie Greiling, Matterhorn product/market strategy, join host Sue Humphreys to discuss the evolution of online dispute resolution. Tune in to Scaling Justice Episode #4: Redefining Your "Day in Court": Citizen-Centered Court Technology  

During her first 20 years in criminal justice, working as a prosecutor and then a defense attorney, Judge Christine Carpenter saw how closely drugs and alcohol connect to crime and justice outcomes. She knew it was time to start treating substance use and abuse differently, and she became a pioneer in what we know today as Drug Courts. In the latest episode of Scaling Justice, host Sue Humphreys sits down with Judge Carpenter to hear her story. 

Data is central to the criminal justice decisions that affect lives, families, and communities every day. It drives more equitable outcomes, helps objectivity reign, and supports healthy communities. But how do we know the data is right? How do we know we can rely on it? Host Sue Humphreys tackles these tough questions and more with special guest Jane Wiseman, CEO of the Institute for Excellence in Government. Learn what data quality means for criminal justice practitioners and what each of us can do to make it better.

Court case management has evolved from a singular focus on clerk business to a broader network of support for judges, litigants and partners, and the public. What does this mean for court technology? Superior Court Chief Information Officers Snorri Ogata (Los Angeles County) and Michael Baliel (Santa Clara County) and longtime IT management consultant Joe Wheeler are veterans at navigating the complex relationship between courts and their technology, and they see an exciting path forward.