Gavel Talks

Time to take the LEAD - Diverting Low Level Offenders from the Courts Mar 08, 2022

Seattle's Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) Program, which began 11 years ago after concerns of racial inequities in police enforcement of low-level offenses were raised, is the focus of this week's episode. Host Dick Ginkowski reports on a p

For Your Health: Get Off the Bench & Out of Town! Pt. 1 Feb 22, 2022

In the first of this 2-part judicial wellness special, Michigan-based travel agent Caryl Olson joins us to discuss why this may be the right time for travel & how travel agents can help you navigate COVID protocols.

Judicial Outreach - We're in the Justice Business! Feb 08, 2022

Are you engaging in judicial outreach? At a time when respect for government and the rule of law is under attack it's time for all hands on deck to educate the public on who we are, what we do and why it matters.

All Hands On Deck - Judicial Outreach and Preserving The Rule of Law Is Everyone's Business Jan 25, 2022

ABA Judicial Division Chair Christopher Browning joins us to discuss the critical role that judicial outreach plays in promoting judicial independence and respect for the rule of law and how important it is for lawyers to join judges in advocating fo

2021 - What a year it was! Jan 11, 2022

While our hopes to have the pandemic in the rear-view mirror by the end of 2021 didn't materialize the past year was nonetheless one of inspiration and education on Gavel Talks. Host Richard Ginkowski takes a look back at some of 2021’s highlights...

From Judge Roy Bean to Laboratories for "Front Porch" Justice Dec 21, 2021

Modern municipal and misdemeanor courts have been saddled with the "Judge Roy Bean" image of being merciless "cash cows" but Judge Andra Sparks joins Gavel Talks host Richard Ginkowski for a discussion of how their courts work hard to shake the stere

Montana Indian Child Welfare Act Court Making Strikes at Keeping Families Together Dec 07, 2021

Overrepresented in Montana's foster care system and more apt to be removed from their homes, Native-American children face a unique challenge in the justice system – a challenge that Yellowstone County District Judge Rod Souza has undertaken by...

Cameras in the Courtroom: The Naysayers Got It Wrong Mar 03, 2025

Judge Richard Ginkowski, Gavel Talks host, and retired Indianapolis attorney Randall Graff discuss how the media working together with the bench and Bar made experimental audiovisual coverage of court proceedings last 43 years.

Tax tips for judges: Don't get caught in the IRS "gig income" dragnet Nov 09, 2021

In this six-minute episode, our host Judge Ginkowski discusses what "gig income is" and how judges should report it (and related deductions) along with recommendations for making recordkeeping painless.

They're successful, professional, calm, convincing and perilously narcissistic: What family court judges need to know about narcissistic personality disorder Oct 26, 2021

Chicago area family law attorney and author Marie Sarantakis joins Judge Richard Ginkowski to discuss what family court judges need to know to spot "narcs" and why they should.

Top Ten Tips to Keep You, Your Staff and Your Courtroom Safe and Your Court Operating Oct 12, 2021

Security consultant John Muffler and fellow Judge Jason Rossell join host Richard Ginkowski as he offers up this “top ten list” of common-sense security and planning measures judges must proactively take to protect themselves, their staff and the...

Prostitution: The Law Is Tricky Sep 28, 2021

As "the world's oldest profession" is moving from the streets online so, too, has law enforcement and our host, Judge Richard Ginkowski, discusses the complexities of common prostitution laws and defenses to a prostitution charge.

Is It Time For Judges To Get More Serious About Seriously Excessive Speeding? Aug 24, 2021

Judge Ronald Ramsey of the DeKalb County (GA) State Court, chair of the National Conference of Specialized Court Judges, joins Judge Richard Ginkowski to talk about the problem and what judges can do to get more serious about seriously excessive spee

Traffic Court in the Age of Covid and Beyond - The Genie's Not Going Back Into the Bottle Jul 27, 2021

Now with the pandemic hopefully winding down Judges Ramsey and Ginkowski share their experiences and foretell that the virtual court operations necessitated during the pandemic is a genie that's not going back into the bottle.

A Small Town Judge Aims To Make A Big Difference One Kid At A Time Jul 14, 2021

Judge Cotter joins Judge Richard Ginkowski to discuss how SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment) came about and how other jurisdictions might benefit from a similar program.

"Marijuana and Driving" – Constitutionality of State "Zero Tolerance" and "Per Se" Laws Jun 09, 2021

Maryland Judge Neil Axel, ABA National Judicial Fellow for Highway Safety, joins host Richard Ginkowski for a discussion of the constitutionality of these "zero tolerance" and "per se" laws.

If You Don't Think the National Judicial College Is for You – Think Again! May 11, 2021

In this segment of Gavel Talks NJC President Benes Aldana discusses how taking its programs online due to the COVID-19 pandemic is helping more judges connect with this important resource.

The Intersection of Faith and Justice Apr 06, 2021

Judge Mathews joins host Judge Richard Ginkowski to discuss how his faith makes him a better judge and the importance of community involvement and mentoring.

What Can Spending Three Minutes with a Defendant do to Reduce Recidivism? Mar 23, 2021

Judges Richard Ginkowski, Robert Anchondo and Mary Jane Knisely discuss how some simple techniques used in treatment courts can also be used by judges who do not preside over a treatment court.

Is Your Court Ready for the Next Disaster? Mar 09, 2021

Judge Jason Rossell shares disaster planning tips and states that the best time to plan for one is before it happens.

There Ought to Be a Law Feb 23, 2021

Wisconsin Judge Mary K. Wagner, a former state legislator, offers advice on how judges can ethically work for improvements in the law and legal procedure.

McGirt v. Oklahoma: Is SCOTUS' parting shot an earthquake for federal and tribal courts? Feb 09, 2021

Cherokee Nation District Judge T. Luke Barteaux walks us through the landmark case McGirt v. Oklahoma and what it could mean.

From Short List to Hit List: What Judges Can Do NOW to Take Safety and Security Seriously Jan 19, 2021

Find out what measure’s judges should take now to address the growing threat to judicial safety and security.

What Can Judges do to Combat Human Trafficking Jan 19, 2021

Judge Thomas Walsh of the Brown County Circuit Court tells us that human trafficking exists in the land of green and gold – and likely in your community, too – and what judges can do to recognize and address it.

What Judges Should Know About Autism Spectrum Disorders Jan 05, 2021

In this edition of Gavel Talks, criminal defense attorney, Elizabeth Kelly, discusses autism spectrum disorders and how judges can respond to defendants with them.

Whose Court Is It? Connecting Courts and People with Chief Justice Bridget Mary McCormack Dec 22, 2020

Chief Judge McCormack joins Judge Ginkowski for a conversation on how judges can make courts accessible, transparent, efficient and user friendly.

What Can/Should Judges Do to Improve Policing? Dec 08, 2020

In this segment of Gavel Talks Judge Richard Ginkowski, a former police officer, discusses the role of judges in improving policing.

How to Ace Your First Court Appearance Nov 24, 2020

Practical tips on your first court appearance from two seasoned judges.

Justice for Vets - Why a Veterans Court Makes Sense and How to Get One Started Nov 10, 2020

Hon. Mary Jane Knisely gives a front-line perspective of the benefits of a Veterans Court and how to get one started in your community.

Judges as Educators: A View of The Bench Oct 13, 2020

"Views from the bench" programs typically present frustrated judges beckoning lawyers to be brief in their briefs and, these days, to wear more than them when appearing in a "Zoom" hearing.

Preserving Confidential Information & Sealing Proceedings Sep 22, 2020

Judges are sometimes confronted with applications to restrict public access to discovery materials and to bar public access to filings and in-court proceedings.

Part 2: The Challenges, Benefits and Rewards of DWI Courts Sep 08, 2020

Judge Anchondo continues his discussion with Judge Richard Ginkowski on the unique challenges and benefits of DWI court in part two of this Gavel Talks episode.

Part 1: The Challenges, Benefits and Rewards of DWI Courts Aug 11, 2020

Judge Anchondo of the County Criminal Court in El Paso, Texas and Region 6 Judicial Outreach Liaison for NHTASA/ABA joins Judge Richard Ginkowski for a two-part discussion of the unique challenges and benefits of DWI courts.

I've Just Been Elected/Appointed Judge! What Do I Do Next? Jul 07, 2020

Congratulations! Judge Richard Ginkowski of the National Conference of Specialized Court Judges offers a "to do list" to help the newly appointed or elected judge hit the ground running beginning within the first 24 hours of getting the good news.

Protection of Confidential Info During Discovery, Motion Practice and Trial Jun 02, 2020

Retired Judge Ronald J. Hedges explains what rules, standards and protections apply for information that is confidential in nature that might be used for a trial.

COVID-19: Courtroom Communication During a Crisis May 19, 2020

How judges and courts can effectively communicate with public stakeholders during the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 and Victims of Addiction, Mental Illness and Domestic Violence May 05, 2020

Judge Richard Ginkowski speaks to Ms. Guida Brown, Executive Director of the Hope Council on Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse, on the impact of the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders with victims of substance abuse, mental health or domestic violence.

Trial, Admissibility, Expert vs. Lay Witnesses, Investigating Jurors Apr 21, 2020

Retired Judge Ronald J. Hedges discusses the decision-making process on preparing for a trial including evidence, witness testimony, and investigating prospective jurors.

Project RENEW Apr 07, 2020

Judge Andra Sparks discuss how the RENEW program, implemented by the Birmingham Municipal Court helped hundreds of citizens obtain their driver's license since its inception in 2014.

Self Represented Litigants: Meeting the Court’s Responsibility Effectivel Mar 24, 2020

In this Gavel Talks, an experienced trial judge will address how the court can and should ethically handle the challenges faced by judges in dealing with self represented litigants.

Discovery, Interrogatories, Requests for Production, Depositions Mar 03, 2020

Retired Judge Ronald J. Hedges covers how an attorneys and judges could maximize and manage tools such as discovery, interrogatories, requests for production, depositions for a case.

The ABA's Judicial Outreach Liaison Program: A Valuable Resource Feb 18, 2020

In this Gavel Talk, the ABA Judicial Fellow for traffic safety issues will discuss a valuable and available resource for peer-to-peer education for the Nation's trial court judges.

Pleadings, Investigations & Duty to Preserve Feb 18, 2020

Hon. Ronald J. Hedges uses his experience as a litigator and past US Magistrate Judge to cover best practices for the Fed. R. Civ. P. 11, also known as the "stop, look, and listen" rule.

Arabella Babb Mansfield: America's First Woman Dec 03, 2019

Judge Emily Chafa tells the story of Arabella Babb Mansfield's education and decision to practice law.

Legal Careers in the United States Military Nov 19, 2019

Col. Linda Murnane presents options for legal careers in the US military.

The Role of the Bankruptcy Law Clerk Nov 05, 2019

Judge Frank J. Bailey and Judge Elizabeth Snow Stong describe the work of a bankruptcy law clerk.

Specialized Dockets for Special Cases in Municipal Courts Oct 22, 2019

Judge Andra Sparks shares his experience in the Birmingham Municipal Courts with saving costs and serving the community through specialized dockets.

Language Access Basics and Cultural Awareness for Administrative Hearings Oct 08, 2019

Judge Emily Chafa discusses how to improve access to justice for persons with limited English proficiency.

Special Masters Resources Sep 24, 2019

Merril Hirsh introduces the ABA Guidelines on Special Masters developed by the ABA Special Masters Committee which conducts outreach and education on Special Masters. Another resource is the Academy of Court Appointed Masters.

Introduction to Special Masters Sep 10, 2019

Mr. Merril Hirsh describes Special Masters and how they assist courts.

One of the Parties Just Filed for Bankruptcy: Now What? Aug 20, 2019

Bankruptcy Judge Frank J. Bailey and Judge Elizabeth Snow Stong give insight about how a bankruptcy affects a court case.

Diversity in the Appointment & Selection of Neutrals Aug 06, 2019

Judge Rachel Kretser discusses the importance of diversity in the appointment and selection of neutrals in alternative dispute resolution.

How to Become a US Bankruptcy Judge Mar 03, 2025

Judge Frank J. Bailey and Judge Elizabeth Snow Stong examine the career path to bankruptcy court judgeship.

International Legal Careers Jul 09, 2019

Col. Linda Murnane gives examples of international law career options and how to find them.

Becoming a Judge and the Federal Nomination Process Jun 18, 2019

Appellate Judge Albert Diaz presents the path to becoming an elected or appointed judge and the nomination process for a federal judge.

Top Ten Tips for Administrative Hearings Jun 04, 2019

Judge Emily Chafa offers strategies to prepare for and excel in administrative hearings.

Dos and Don’ts for Your First Appearance in Court Jun 04, 2019

Judge Toni E. Clarke (retired state trial judge) gives suggestions on what lawyers should do and should avoid when they first appear before a judge.

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