Justice Speaks Podcast

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.

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.

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.

This episode of Justice Speaks 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.  This episode is sponsored by Reconnect.

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. This episode is sponsored by OpAns.

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.

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.

In this episode of Justice Speaks, 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.

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.

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.

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 Treatment Courts.

In this episode of Justice Speaks, Abbey Geffken discusses her leadership journey in Pennsylvania's treatment court system. She shares insights on expanding training access, engaging law enforcement, and strengthening partnerships. Her strategic approach offers a blueprint for statewide treatment court growth and innovation.

In this 75th episode of Justice Speaks, JSI Co-President David Wallace interviews Cynthia Herriott, the new Vice President of Law Enforcement. Together, they explore the evolving role of ethical leadership, the importance of community engagement, and how addiction intersects with the justice system and criminal conduct. Herriott's experience as a former police chief informs her deep insight into progressive reforms in law enforcement and her vision for transformative justice.

Bill Blundell, Statewide Problem-Solving Court Manager for Illinois, shares how the state is enhancing its Problem-Solving Courts through strategic planning, federal funding, and collaborative training. This insightful conversation highlights innovative approaches and future goals aimed at expanding access to justice and strengthening specialized courts across Illinois.

Sheriff Ray Washington joins Justice Speaks to explore the Move Over Law and share his own powerful story about being struck on duty and the importance of the move over law. He and host David Wallace emphasize the dangers of distracted driving, the importance of public awareness, and how Wayne County is leading efforts to keep emergency responders safe.

This episode of Justice Speaks highlights how North Dakota treatment courts thrive through cross-agency collaboration. Jess Throlson and John Gorde share how statewide training, legislative support, and strategic planning are advancing justice reform. Learn how rural challenges are being addressed and what's next for the state's specialty courts.  This episode is sponsored by Reconnect. 

In this episode of Justice Speaks, Kaylee Dickenson, West Virginia's State Drug Court Coordinator, shares insights on treatment court effectiveness, innovative funding models, and overcoming rural challenges. Learn how her leadership helps reduce recidivism, support participants, and shape the future of Drug and Family Treatment Courts in the state.This episode is sponsored by Reconnect.  

Join us on Justice Speaks as Dr. Yasuhiro Maruyama, a professor at Rissho University, shares his journey into Therapeutic Jurisprudence, inspired by U.S. Drug Courts and mentorship from JSI Co-Founder Judge Peggy Hora. Discover his insights on the global impact of problem-solving courts.

Judge Karen Friedman discusses her human-centered approach to criminal justice reform, her work with the BJA, and her commitment to rehabilitation, support, and systemic change. This episode is sponsored by Reconnect.

Wendy Venvertloh discusses the evolving role of pretrial services, the impact of technology, and the importance of empathy in driving meaningful justice reform. This episode is sponsored by Reconnect. 

Janel McFeat discusses restorative justice, the Washington Statewide Reentry Council's work, and the Reentry 2030 initiative to create a human-centered reentry system.  This episode is sponsored by Reconnect

Chief Tamika Nelson, San Diego County Probation Department, discusses her transformative approach to probation, emphasizing collaboration, engagement, and innovation to inspire positive change in the justice system. This episode is sponsored by Reconnect.

David Rogers explores justice issues in tribal courts, public safety initiatives, and the transformative role of restorative justice in Native communities.  This episode is sponsored by Reconnect.

Scott Taylor shares insights on AI's role in criminal justice supervision and advocates for compassionate, community-centered approaches to rehabilitation and reintegration. This episode is sponsored by Reconnect.

Dr. William Morrone shares insights on treating Opioid Use Disorder, the role of Medication-Assisted Treatment, and bridging law and medicine in justice reform. This episode is sponsored by Indivior.

Marcus Hodges shares his journey, CSOSA's role in offender supervision, and his vision for using technology to enhance community supervision and justice reform. This episode is sponsored by Reconnect.

Veronica Cunningham, the Executive Director of the American Probation and Parole Association (APPA) discusses APPA's role, the importance of training, mental health support for officers, and advancing cultural humility in community supervision.(APPA). This episode is sponsored by Reconnect.

Judge Janet Holmgren and Matt Kinder share insights on Illinois' Problem-Solving Courts, highlighting their history, annual conference, and the importance of team training.  This episode is sponsored by Reconnect. 

Gray Barton, Director of Problem-Solving Courts in Maryland, shares his journey, key accomplishments, and the transformative impact of Treatment Courts in Maryland. This episode is sponsored by Reconnect. 

NEARCP leaders Judge Ziemian and Justice Nadeau share insights on Treatment Courts' success, addressing collaboration, challenges, and their transformative impact in New England.  This episode is sponsored by Reconnect. 

Johanna Braud and Fletcher Hyacinth share their journeys, challenges, and plans to expand and strengthen Louisiana's Specialty Courts, fostering community resilience. This episode is sponsored by Reconnect. 

David Wallace and David LaBahn discuss the Prosecutors for Prosecutors campaign, its mission to save Afghan prosecutors, and the fight for justice and safety.

Robert Mitchell shares his journey to becoming New Mexico's Treatment Court Coordinator, his team's successes, and his vision for integrating justice best practices.  This episode is sponsored by Reconnect. 

Chief Judge Weaver, Judge Auslander, and Executive Director Jones share their journeys, CACJ's achievements, and the future of Georgia's Accountability Courts. This episode is sponsored by Reconnect. 

Tammy Westcott shares her journey, Oklahoma's Treatment Court innovations, and plans for expanding diversion programs and Veterans' Treatment Courts statewide. This episode is sponsored by Reconnect.

Judge Cristina Jaramillo shares her leadership journey with NMADCP, its training focus, and plans for enhancing New Mexico's Treatment Courts statewide. This episode is sponsored by Reconnect. 

Darrin Grondel and Brian Swift discuss efforts to combat drugged driving, the role of oral fluid testing, and how Responsibility.org and NASID are saving lives.

Judge Andrew Gill and Janet Hawley discuss Arkansas Specialty Courts' growth, ADCPA's annual conference, and efforts to improve justice statewide.  This episode is sponsored by Reconnect.

Briana McCulloch shares the story of the Kailee Mills Foundation, its mission to promote seat belt safety, and the programs saving lives and supporting families.

Judge Steven Manley shares his leadership journey with CACC, the evolution of California Collaborative Courts, and initiatives like CARE Courts for mental health support. This episode is sponsored by Reconnect. 

Judge Brian MacKenzie, JSI Chief Financial Officer interviews Professor David Wexler, the creater of Therapeutic Jurisprudence. Professor Wexler discusses his journey, the creation of Therapeutic Jurisprudence, its global influence, and its integration into justice systems worldwide.

Judge Melanie May discusses her journey with FADCP, Florida's Drug Courts' success, and plans to expand Problem-Solving Court techniques statewide.  This episode is sponsored by Reconnect. 

Judge Jocelyn Fabry and Kate Hude discuss MATCP's impact, legislative successes, and efforts to enhance Michigan's Treatment Courts with innovative programs and training. This episode is sponsored by Reconnect.