2025 Judicial Education Course Catalog

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25 Anti-Racism in the Courts D I & 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Inspired by Ibram Kendi’s “How to Be an Antiracist” and Isabelle Wilkerson’s “Caste,” this course asks, “Can I be an antiracist judge?” The answer, of course, is yes! We can learn about the legal, social, and economic structures of racism in America and work together to mitigate the effects of inequality while still providing due process in a fair and equal manner. Coordinator: Hon. Shannon Avery THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27 Auto Torts 101 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. This course is designed for judges who sit as fact finders deciding automobile negligence cases and will be geared specifically to assist those judges whose pre-appointment experiences may have been in areas other than personal injury litigation. The course will cover a variety of considerations from duty and breach to contributory negligence, joint and several liability, causation, and economic and non-economic damage analyses and awards. Speakers will address insurance-related matters, accident reconstruction principles, and medical and/or physical therapy basics. The class will endeavor to equip judges with the knowledge and skills to preside over and decide auto tort cases fairly and effectively, ensuring that justice is served while upholding legal standards and principles. Coordinator: Hon. Guido Porcarelli

MARCH

TUESDAY, MARCH 4 Culture, Bias, and Fairness D I & 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Bias and fairness have been on the news in many ways. Many judges have been exposed to the concept of bias and its possible implications in the legal system. Although judges are supposed to be impartial, the reality is that they are human and can harbor unconscious biases influenced by their own identity, experiences, and culture. Judges will explore a redefinition of culture and its impact on misinformation using many experiential activities, videos, and case fact patterns. Suggestions will be provided on the best ways to achieve procedural fairness. Coordinator: Dr. Sujata Warrier THURSDAY, MARCH 6 Crafting Sound Opinions, Written and Oral for District and Circuit Court 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. We all have opinions, but this course will help you build and write them, starting from purposes and outcomes and examining the techniques that will make them say what you want them to say. Coordinator: Hon. Douglas Nazarian TUESDAY, MARCH 18 Understanding Child Abuse Child Development D I & 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. It has been estimated that at least one in seven children has experienced child abuse or neglect in 2021-2022 in the United States. Children who experience abuse often become perpetrators themselves as well as suffer the effects of having their safety impaired for a lifetime. What can judges do to be a part of the solution? Coordinator: Hon. Lynne Battaglia

2025 Judicial Education Course Catalog

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