Justice Speakers Institute, LLC

09/10/2026

Nebraska Chief Justice Jeffrey J. Funke on the Future of Justice

Nebraska Chief Justice Jeffrey J. Funke joins Justice Speaks to discuss his path to the bench, the responsibilities of judicial leadership, and the future of Nebraska’s courts. The conversation explores problem-solving courts, budget pressures, artificial intelligence, public trust, rural access to justice, and the importance of public service....

Nebraska Chief Justice Jeffrey J. Funke joins Justice Speaks to discuss his path to the bench, the responsibilities of judicial leadership, and the future of Nebraska’s courts. The conversation explores problem-solving courts, budget pressures, artificial intelligence, public trust, rural access t...

09/08/2026

Evidence-Based Responses to Substance Use Disorders

Evidence should guide how the justice system responds to substance use disorders. Effective practices match interventions to individual risk and need, use drug-testing information appropriately, reinforce positive behavior, implement proven models with fidelity, and measure whether programs achieve their intended outcomes....

Justice practices should be guided by research, data, and demonstrated results. Principle 4 examines how evidence can strengthen accountability, treatment engagement, behavior change, and public safety.

09/01/2026

Accountability: Recovery and Public Safety Can Coexist

Accountability does not have to mean punishment alone. Principle 3 of JSI’s Substance Use Disorder series examines how purposeful responses, treatment, procedural fairness, and clear expectations can promote both recovery and lasting public safety....

Accountability does not have to mean punishment alone. Principle 3 of JSI’s Substance Use Disorder series examines how purposeful responses, treatment, procedural fairness, and clear expectations can promote both recovery and lasting public safety.

08/25/2026

Substance Use Disorders Are Treatable: Recovery Is Possible

Substance use disorders are treatable, and recovery is possible. Principle 2 of JSI's framework examines what effective treatment means for courts, prosecutors, law enforcement, community supervision, and treatment court teams....

Substance use disorders are treatable, and recovery is possible. Principle 2 of JSI's framework examines what effective treatment means for courts, prosecutors, law enforcement, community supervision, and treatment court teams.

08/18/2026

Understanding Substance Use Disorders in the Justice System

Science has changed what we know about substance use disorders. Principle One of JSI’s framework examines what that understanding means for judges, prosecutors, supervision professionals, corrections, and the justice system....

Science has changed what we know about substance use disorders. Principle One of JSI’s framework examines what that understanding means for judges, prosecutors, supervision professionals, corrections, and the justice system.

08/17/2026

The Summer edition of "Justice Insights" is here! Explore what the evidence really shows about specialty courts, why words matter in treatment courts, conversations with justice leaders, four new JSI Associates, and more.

See what’s happening at the Justice Speakers Institute and what’s ahead. https://mailchi.mp/8f5bb97b2649/are-specialty-courts-really-a-disappointing-form-of-diversion?e=bbe1991ddd

08/04/2026

Specialty Courts: What the Evidence Actually Shows

Do specialty courts improve public safety and reduce recidivism? This evidence-based review examines current research on treatment courts, addresses common criticisms, and explains what today's evidence and national best practice standards actually show....

Do specialty courts improve public safety and reduce recidivism? This evidence-based review examines current research on treatment courts, addresses common criticisms, and explains what today's evidence and national best practice standards actually show.

07/28/2026

Words Matter: How Language Shapes Justice in Treatment Courts

Words influence more than conversation—they shape perception, reduce or reinforce stigma, and affect how justice is experienced. Discover why language is an essential component of treatment courts, procedural justice, and evidence-based practices that support long-term recovery....

The words used by judges, attorneys, probation officers, and treatment professionals do more than communicate decisions, they influence stigma, procedural justice, recovery, and ultimately the delivery of justice.

07/21/2026

An Effective Framework for Responding to Substance Use Disorders in the Justice System

Substance use disorders affect every part of the justice system. This new series explores five evidence-based principles that can strengthen public safety, improve outcomes, and support long-term recovery....

Substance use disorders affect every part of the justice system. This new series explores five evidence-based principles that can strengthen public safety, improve outcomes, and support long-term recovery.

07/16/2026

Courts should not rely on artificial intelligence systems simply because they are popular or recommended by vendors.

Before AI tools are used in the justice system, courts should ask important questions about reliability, testing, error rates, and peer review.

In this AI Minute for Courts, Judge Brian MacKenzie (Ret.) explains why independent validation and peer review are essential guardrails for the responsible use of AI.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/kDLT328TQaQ

Artificial intelligence systems used in the justice system must be ...