procedural guides

Courts, Jurisdictions, and Venues in the United States – How Did We Get Here?

Photograph of Constitution with We the People: at the top

Tracing the evolution our country’s  courts, jurisdictions, and venues, is nothing short of fascinating. The establishment of a just and fair legal system has been a cornerstone of democratic societies throughout history. In the United States, the development of courts, jurisdictions, and venues has been a dynamic and evolving process, shaped by both historical events … Read Article

Courts are Using Smoke Tests to Protect the Public

Courts are already utilizing many safety protocols to protect those that need to enter their halls. Courts currently use masks, social distancing, symptom checks, plexiglass dividers, rigorous cleaning protocols, better air filters, additional portable HEPA air filters, and increased fresh air circulation. But how can they offer even more protection to the public? Early on … Read Article

No Pandemic Exception in the Constitution – Courts During the Pandemic

black and white photo of a statute of the scales of justice

Our courts have had to innovate quickly to keep up with the continuously-unfolding challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Judge Karen Caldwell of the District of Kentucky likened the challenge to “building an airplane while you’re flying it.” Judge Caldwell reopened her courtroom to jury trials early in the wake of initial court closures. Recognizing the … Read Article

Summer 2020 Court Rule Updates

While many industries across the country have slowed down significantly due to the pandemic, the same cannot be said for our courts. Courts often update their Local Rules and procedures and this summer courts are busier than ever. Not only are courts countrywide updating their Local Rules and practices as usual, they are having to … Read Article

Courts Innovate in the Midst of Pandemic

From socially distanced courtrooms to virtual hearings, courts around the country are continuing to adapt to the ongoing pandemic environment that continues to be the world we live in. Los Angeles has created a $0 bail schedule for misdemeanors and lower-level felonies to “curb the spread of COVID-19 in jails and surrounding communities.’ California courts … Read Article

The Changing Face of Justice

With more and more focus on sexual harassment and misconduct across all walks of life, the faces that head up our justice system are not immune to scrutiny. While the courts may not yet see the levels of accountability that other industries are being held to, judges all across the country are finding that they … Read Article