2025 Judicial Conference Program

AI and the Law: Authenticity, Integrity, and the Future of Evidence DR. KOFI NYARKO DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING | MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY 1700 E COLD SPRING LANE | BALTIMORE, MARYLAND 21251

KOFI NYARKO is a tenured Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Morgan State University, where he also serves as the Director of the Center of Equitable Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Systems (CEAMLS). Additionally, Dr. Nyarko leads the Data Engineering and Predictive Analytics (DEPA) Research Lab. His research expertise spans computer vision, machine learning, and generative AI, focusing on automating and deriving insights from complex data-driven systems. His innovative work includes applications in unmanned aerial and ground vehicles for tasks such as remote sensing, automated navigation, surveillance, and air traffic management. Beyond his technical contributions, Dr. Nyarko’s work addresses the defensive and offensive aspects of cybersecurity for Internet of Things platforms, employing responsible, equitable, and trustworthy AI methods. His efforts have earned him the US Black Engineer HBCU STEM Innovation Award in 2020, recognizing his significant contributions to innovation and economic development at Morgan State University. Dr. Nyarko is an inventor holding three United States patents in visible light communication and particle swarm optimization. He is a respected speaker and consultant, frequently participating in technical forums on machine learning and software engineering. De-escalation Strategies for Judges in High-Stress Courtroom Situation MELISSA OWENS PATIENT NOT PRISONER P.O. BOX 3437 | BROOKLYN PARK, MARYLAND 21225 MELISSA OWENS has been successfully living with bipolar disorder since 2000 despite experiencing six major psychotic episodes and involuntary hospitalizations. Through her Patient Not Prisoner program, she collaborates with CIT systems nationwide in an effort to reduce the number of people living with mental illness from entering the criminal justice system. In 2023, Melissa was granted the Fred Frese CIT International Award for a Person with Lived Experience in recognition for her efforts and contributions to the goals and mission of CIT. Melissa has conducted presentations and training to numerous governmental and nonprofit agencies on the local, state, and international levels. During her presentation, Melissa shares a video she took of herself in the midst of severe psychosis during a manic episode in 2017. Attendees are able to analyze an entire array of behaviors and symptoms she was experiencing, including but not limited to: • Hallucinations (Auditory, Visual, Tactile, Olfactory) • Confusion • Delusions • Bizarre & Erratic Behaviors • Paranoia • Isolation • Disorganized thinking • Irritability/Anger

MARYLAND JUDICIARY

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