Lady Justice: Women of the Court

Join hosts Justice Rhonda Wood of the Arkansas Supreme Court and Justice Beth Walker of the West Virginia Supreme Court on the Lady Justice Podcast, now in partnership with the National Center for State Courts (NCSC). In this episode, they welcome Anna Blackburne-Rigsby, Chief Judge of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals and current President of the Conference of Chief Justices (CCJ).   Chief Judge Blackburne-Rigsby shares insights into the structure of DC Courts, judicial appointments, and the types of cases handled. Reflecting on her upbringing in Washington, D.C., Chief Judge Blackburne-Rigsby also discusses the city's evolution and emphasizes the role of law in driving societal change, particularly evident during the Civil Rights era.   The episode delves into the collaborative efforts of CCJ, including past initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic to guide courts and current efforts to enhance public trust. Chief Judge Blackburne-Rigsby highlights the importance of judicial leadership and community engagement beyond the courtroom.   Tune in for valuable insights into the judiciary and the transformative power of law. Don't miss the lightning round, where Chief Judge Blackburne-Rigsby shares some personal preferences!

In this episode, the Lady Justices discuss Treatment and Drug Court Programs.

Craving even more insight on career opportunities in the legal field? The women recently spoke at the When There are Nine conference at the University of Charleston in West Virginia, an event designed as a ‘for women, by women’ conversation for those considering a career in the law. Listen in as the justices discuss formative experiences that inspired them to enter the legal profession, including being a witness to domestic violence. The women also discuss the diverse career possibilities for lawyers that go beyond the typical courtroom scenario we often see on television. This episode marks the first time that the justices, who are from different states, have recorded the podcast together in person. The conference title is a tribute to the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who famously said, 'When I'm sometimes asked 'When will there be enough [women on the Supreme Court]?' and I say 'When there are nine,' people are shocked. But there'd been nine men, and nobody's ever raised a question about that." So come along with us to the conference and take a seat. We’re glad you’re here!

On this episode, the Lady Justices share their insight on how to succeed in law school based on listener questions that we received from students through social media and on our podcast voicemail. Joining the program is special guest Justice Carla Wong McMillian (shown right) of the Georgia Supreme Court. 

In this Season 2 opener, we're once again celebrating Constitution Day! The justices discuss timely issues around state constitutions, like redistricting after the recent census. The women also discuss the most recent amendments to the constitutions in their states. Plus, what happens when states interpret the same general language in their constitutions differently? All that explained on this episode about why constitutions matter. 

Being a state Supreme Court justice is about much more than writing opinions on important cases. Justices are also responsible for overseeing the court system in their state. Part of this usually involves finding a passion and trying to affect change where they think it’s needed, whether that’s working to help children in foster care, studying the reasons behind an ever-growing prison population, or trying to keep their colleagues safe when job stress and substance abuse seems to be affecting their ability to best serve the public. The women were recently invited to speak at the Arkansas Bar Association’s annual conference, where they discussed this and other topics, like technology in the court.  This is the last episode of Season 1. We'll return with Season 2 in September! 

For years, lawyers have struggled with issues like depression, anxiety, and substance abuse at a rate higher than the general population. The women discuss how, historically, there’s been a hands-off approach by the profession to addressing these issues, but that this is changing in some big ways. We hear from a national expert, Bree Buchanan, who is leading a movement toward recognizing the many benefits of assisting lawyers, law students, and judges with mental health and substance abuse issues and the high cost of turning a blind eye. Plus, the justices share thoughts on promoting civility. Episode Resources: The Path To Lawyer Well-Being The Prevalence of Substance Use and Other Mental Health Concerns Among American Attorneys Stress and Resiliency in the U.S. Judiciary Where Are We on the Path to Law Student Well-Being?  

In this episode, the justices examine the lives of women legal crusaders you may not have heard about. Also, the latest numbers are out about the state of women in law firms, which calls for a discussion examining why it might be that women go to law school at the same rate as men yet there remains a significant lack of women in law firm leadership. ----more---- Episode Resources:    

On this episode, examining the female figure that has become the moral face of the court system: Lady Justice. We see statues of Lady Justice in courthouses across America - the scales, the blindfold, the sword. The women discuss what the imagery means to them personally after some reflection and scholarly reading.  We’ll also hear from Yale Law School professor and author Judith Resnik, who has spent years studying the history of Lady Justice and the various ways she is portrayed throughout the world. And, it’s a new year and that means new female faces on our nation’s state courts! We’ll introduce you to some of them.----more---- Episode Resources: Representing Justice by Judith Resnik and Dennis Curtis Image on cover: Lady of Justice as depicted on the Victoria County Court in Melbourne, Australia  Other images from the book:  Lady of Justice, Jan R. Mitchell, 1993, Almeric L. Christian Federal Building, St. Croix, United States Virgin Islands   Justice, Romuald Kraus, 1938, United States Federal Courthouse and Post Office, Newark, New Jersey   Lady Justice, Diana K. Moore, 1996, Warren B. Rudman Federal Courthouse, Concord, New Hampshire   Justice, Alfredo Ceschiatti, 1961, Supreme Federal Tribunal, Brasilia, Brazil   Logo of the Judicial Council of the National Bar Association, 1971   

Most Supreme Court cases are decided based on written briefs submitted by attorneys. But sometimes the Court grants oral argument in a case and attorneys have the opportunity to speak directly to the justices in the courtroom. Justices generally know where they stand going in to oral argument. Can oral argument be so effective it changes the mind of a justice and the outcome of a case?  The women take questions during a virtual event by the Texas Association of Civil Trial and Appellate Specialists. 

The women take questions during a virtual event by the Women’s Chapter of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association. Topics include women in leadership and balancing a high-demand career with the responsibilities of motherhood. Plus, holiday memories and good reads!

When a party loses in court, they have the right to appeal the ruling and ask a higher court, known as an appellate court, to review the case. But what happens next? The women provide a behind-the-scenes look at the process. 

The women justices discuss their individual journeys to the bench. 

Residents of the United States all live under the U.S. Constitution, but every state also has its own Constitution. The women discuss how these written documents can vary rather significantly from state to state.

In this poignant episode of Lady Justice: Women of the Court, hosts Justice Rhonda Wood and Justice Beth Walker are joined by Doris Huffman, Executive Director of the Nebraska State Bar Foundation. This episode marks the one-year anniversary of the passing of Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, the first female U.S. Supreme Court Justice, renowned for her unwavering commitment to civics education.  The National Center for State Courts celebrates her legacy through the Sandra Day O’Connor Award for the Advancement of Civics Education, which the Nebraska State Bar Foundation received this year.  Topics Discussed:  The crucial role of civics education and the importance of familiarizing the public with courtrooms and judicial processes.  The Foundation’s impactful programs: the Mock Trial Program, Student Reporter Program, and Bench Media Committee.  Insights into the judicial learning centers of each host’s respective state court.  Tune in to discover how the Nebraska State Bar Foundation is advancing civics education and honoring Justice Sandra Day O’Connor’s remarkable legacy of promoting public understanding of the judiciary.  Resources:  - https://www.nebarfnd.org/  - https://www.courtswv.gov/public-resources/learning-center    - https://arcourts.gov/administration/education/about  

In this episode of Lady Justice: Women of the Courts, hosts Justice Rhonda Wood of Arkansas and Justice Beth Walker of West Virginia are joined by Chief Justice Gordon J. MacDonald of New Hampshire and Justice C. Shannon Bacon of New Mexico to discuss the pivotal work of the Committee on Legal Education and Admissions Reform (CLEAR). As Chair and Vice Chair of CLEAR, the justices share their efforts to drive transformative changes in legal education and attorney licensure.  Key Topics Include:  CLEAR's Mission: Insights into CLEAR’s initiatives, including community listening sessions and the release of their final report in July 2025, which will shape the future of legal education.   Reforming Legal Education: Addressing the need for modernization to better serve underserved communities, including rural areas facing a shortage of legal representation.  Alternative Pathways to Licensure: Exploring innovative options for individuals to enter the legal profession without the traditional bar exam, providing flexibility for those seeking legal careers.  Supporting Rural Legal Practice: Creative strategies to attract and retain lawyers in rural areas through fellowships and support programs, tackling the growing issue of legal deserts.  NextGen Bar Exam: Shifting from rote memorization to practical, skills-based testing that prepares law graduates for real-world practice.    This episode offers an in-depth look at how state supreme courts are leading efforts to ensure that legal education evolves to meet modern demands while upholding ethical and accessible legal practices. Don’t miss this conversation on the future of legal education and the essential reforms needed to protect public and professional interests.    Resources:   - https://www.ncsc.org/consulting-and-research/areas-of-expertise/access-to-justice/clear   - https://ncsc2.iad1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3yYzzMYcwBrdQwK?_gl=1*kjpz87*_ga*MTg2MDY2Nzc3Ni4xNzIxNjU3OTc2*_ga_HB58441DGF*MTcyNDc3OTYyMy42Mi4xLjE3MjQ3ODA4NzcuMC4wLjA. (CLEAR Feedback Form)  - https://nextgenbarexam.ncbex.org/    

In this episode of Lady Justice: Women of the Court, Justices Rhonda Wood of Arkansas and Beth Walker of West Virginia are joined by David J. Sachar, Director of the Center for Judicial Ethics at the National Center for State Courts.  David shares his expertise in working with state and international judiciaries to develop policies and training programs that uphold public trust, safeguard judicial independence, and reinforce the rule of law.  Topics Discussed:  The importance of judicial ethics and the role of statewide judicial ethics commissions  The work and mission of the Center for Judicial Ethics  Differences in judicial ethics processes between state and federal courts  The intersection of judicial ethics with AI and emerging technologies  Ethical guidelines and considerations for judges using social media  How judges can be disciplined and the potential consequences or sanctions  This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in judicial ethics and maintaining public confidence in our courts. Tune in to hear insights from one of the leading experts on judicial integrity.  Resources:  -https://www.ncsc.org/consulting-and-research/areas-of-expertise/court-leadership/center-for-judicial-ethics   -https://www.ncsc.org/consulting-and-research/areas-of-expertise/communications,-civics-and-disinformation/social-media-and-courts/judges   - https://www.ncsc.org/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/101125/ncsc-ai-rrt-judicial-legal-ethics-may-2024.pdf  

In this special Constitution Day episode of Lady Justice: Women of the Court, hosts Justice Rhonda Wood of Arkansas and Justice Beth Walker of West Virginia sit down with Randy Barnett, the Patrick Hotung Professor of Constitutional Law at Georgetown University and Director of the Georgetown Center for the Constitution. Together, they dive into a thought-provoking conversation about Barnett’s latest memoir, A Life for Liberty: The Making of an American Originalist, and explore his journey from a prosecutor in Chicago to becoming a leading voice in the originalism movement.  Barnett shares insights into the federal and state constitutions, the amendment processes, and his expertise on the Ninth Amendment. The discussion delves into the principles of originalism, the impact of abolitionist Lysander Spooner, and the significance of the “lost constitution.” The episode also offers a glimpse into Barnett’s forthcoming work, Felony Review: Tales of True Stories of Crime and Corruption in Chicago, drawing on his experiences as a prosecutor.  Listeners will also gain valuable advice on the importance of mentorship and learn about the influential mentors who shaped Barnett’s career. This episode provides a compelling look at the intersection of law, history, and personal conviction, offering inspiration for anyone passionate about justice and liberty.  Topics Discussed:  The differences between the federal Constitution and state constitutions, and their respective amendment processes  The origins and principles of originalism  Key insights into Barnett’s memoir, A Life for Liberty: The Making of an American Originalist  The role of mentorship in Barnett’s career and personal growth  Discussions on the Ninth Amendment and the concept of the “lost constitution”  Reflections on Lysander Spooner’s The Unconstitutionality of Slavery and its influence on originalism  A preview of Barnett’s upcoming book, Felony Review: Tales of True Stories of Crime and Corruption in Chicago  Don’t miss this engaging conversation that blends constitutional law, history, and the personal stories of one of America’s foremost legal scholars. Tune in now!  Resources:   -https://www.randybarnett.com/   -https://www.law.georgetown.edu/faculty/randy-e-barnett/  -https://www.amazon.com/Life-Liberty-Making-American-Originalist/dp/1641773774  -https://archive.org/details/unconstitutionalit00spoo   -https://www.ncsc.org/education-and-careers/civics/constitution-day  

In this insightful episode of the Lady Justice: Women of the Court podcast, hosts Justice Rhonda Wood of Arkansas and Justice Beth Walker of West Virginia explore the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the judicial system with esteemed guests: Justin Forkner, Chief Administrative Officer of the Indiana Judicial Branch, and Stacey Marz, Administrative Director of the Alaska Court System.  Together, they discuss:  The integration of AI-driven tools to aid court processes, including natural language processing systems that translate legal jargon into plain language and provide live transcripts of court proceedings, as well as tools that review legal citations in briefs.  The potential for GenAI (Generative Artificial Intelligence) to replace traditional search engines and enhance self-help resources for litigants.   Improving digital content, such as court webpages and chatbots, to enhance access to justice through search engine optimization, user-friendly design, plain language copy, and more.    Exciting innovations and updates on the horizon for the Indiana Judicial Branch and Alaska Court System.  Tune in to discover more about the innovative use of AI in the judicial system and its transformative impact on court processes.  Resources:  -https://www.law360.com/pulse/legal-tech/articles/1833092/how-courts-can-use-generative-ai-to-help-pro-se-litigants  -ncsc.org/ai 

Dive into the transformative world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on the court system with hosts Justice Rhonda Wood of Arkansas and Justice Beth Walker of West Virginia, along with special guest Professor Amy Cyphert. Professor Cyphert is a pioneering academic in AI at West Virginia University College of Law. She directs the ASPIRE Office, guiding students in securing scholarships and fellowships, and teaches a course on AI and the Law.  Together, they explore:  -The rapid advancements in Generative AI and its implications for legal practice.  -Professor Cyphert’s pioneering work in teaching AI and its impact on the legal landscape.  -The concept of "AI cannibalism" and the importance of human input in AI systems.  -The challenges of distinguishing between AI-generated content and human-authored text.  -The evolving role of lawyers in the era of AI.  Resources:  -Professor Amy Cyphert’s Biography  -Cyphert, A. (2021, November 1). A Human Being Wrote This Law Review Article: GPT-3 and the Practice of Law. UC Davis Law Review, 55(1). WVU College of Law Research Paper No. 2022-02.  -Cyphert, A., Perl, S., & Tu, S. S. (2023). Artificial Intelligence Cannibalism and the Law.   -"Play a sound on a device with Find Devices on iCloud.com." Apple Support. Retrieved April 2024, from https://support.apple.com/guide/icloud/play-a-sound-on-a-device-mmfc0f19b5/icloud#:~:text=If%20you%20lose%20your%20device,on%20a%20family%20member's%20device.