David J. Dreyer: Ghost in the machine? Judges ultimately are responsible.
Overall, courts are designing AI tools to help them, not the lawyers.
Judge David J. Dreyer
Articles
Judge David J. Dreyer: Three examples of quiet judicial courage in Indiana courts
All of us lawyers and judges can remember times when we saw a judge, heard a judge or read a judge’s decision that showed real courage in uneasy circumstances.
Dreyer: Violence against judges leads to broad disorder
If judges are seen just like any other social adversary trying to fight others over an issue, then the public might be less likely to understand their true work as arbitrators and problem-solvers.
David Dreyer: Is an avalanche of injunction requests on the way?
My traditional joy about injunctive relief may be facing a very practical challenge.
David J. Dreyer: Are we ignoring an obvious truth about legal representation?
The Legal Service Corporation’s most recent benchmark study shows less than 8% of low-income legal needs are met.
David Dreyer: Why I signed on to fight the White House
I think Emperor Selassie of Ethiopia would agree that I had to do it.
David J. Dreyer: Is it a constitutional crisis? Or just a stalemate?
In 2025, there is spirited discussion on all sides about whether we are undergoing a “constitutional crisis,” comparable to past historical examples.
Dreyer: Welcome to Incivility Anonymous. Assistance is available
Here’s a transcript from a monthly meeting.
Zooming and judging presents new set of challenges
It announced that Marion County courts would be closed for three weeks because of the growing Covid-19 pandemic. I gathered my staff, and we reviewed the court calendar for the next three weeks. I picked out two or three cases that could not be delayed, and we planned how to do those hearings. I had never heard of Zoom.
Dreyer: Attacks on judges are also an attack on the rule of law
There is a cost to our rule of law when independent good-faith jurists are subject to vehement and vitriolic criticism of their professional judgment.
Dreyer: Judges: To text or not to text?
Most of us, lawyers and judges alike, were struck by the recent case in which a judge resigned after facing disciplinary action for, well, what we all are doing: multitasking on the job.
Dreyer: Contempt is in the eye of the beholder?
These days, we are hearing regularly about gag orders, contempt of court and other measures regarding a certain former president. There is a fine line between criticizing a court and insulting a judge — and the current examples may become important.
Dreyer: Trending: The future of state court access
The year 2023 marks the 36th time the National Center for State Courts has published its annual “Trends in State Courts” report.
Dreyer: The nine lives of Section 1983: 1871 to now
The unique tale of Section 1983 is an intriguing history of jurisprudence, social issues and federalism. The balance between central government power and individual rights has often been the rationale of applying Section 1983 or not.
Dreyer: Judge ChatBot answers all your questions
Below is a conversation with Judge ChatBot, an artificial intelligence jurist currently working on his/her/its own.
Dreyer: Stop making so much sense: Limits of logic in factfinding
“Truth” in courts of law is whatever the factfinder decides. This has often bothered me, of course, but has not stopped me from doing it for over 25 years.
Dreyer: The future of judicial independence: A ‘conversation’
The following is an interview with Justice Solomon Sabia, the only reportedly totally independent judge in the Western Hemisphere.
Dreyer: For judges, reform is the norm: Our requirements
There was a time, not so long ago, when judges were “potted plants.” The judicial role was widely reserved, somewhat withdrawn, apart from public statement or positions, and any work to change the legal system was considered improper. Changing standards and challenging times seem to have changed all that.
Dreyer: Pandemic positives: Confronting the bear
As COVID-19 numbers descend, we are left with a plethora of mixed feelings. Many are overwhelmed with joy and giddiness. Some are still numb and can’t feel anything — yet. And others are trying to make sense of the past two years and the lasting realities that lay ahead. Our courts and judges fit into the latter category.
Indiana Judges Association: Indiana’s commercial courts are working for businesses
What do Saint Thomas More, patron saint of lawyers, and Indiana’s commercial courts have in common? They both made history by the effective streamlining of business law cases.