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.
David J. Dreyer
Articles
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 The judicial role was widely reserved, somewhat withdrawn, apart from public statement or positions, and any work to change the legal system was considered improper.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.
Dreyer: Great books for judges: Classics and beyond
Last year, the National Judicial College surveyed judges regarding their recommended books. Some were expected, but others were surprising.
Dreyer: Post-pandemic judging: How do we go to ‘court’?
Everyone is now familiar with the ongoing effects of COVID-19 upon how the world is working, and some possible future scenarios both in the legal profession and beyond. The question for judges at every level is, “Do we ever need in-person proceedings?”
Dreyer: On our oath: ‘Judge, will you swear me in, please?’
Despite serious travails during our history, presidential inaugurations seem to allow for a pause and some national confidence. Noting this recently, it is perhaps well that we set briefly aside our current concerns and allow some reflection to lighten us up and to observe the critical importance of the judicial branch.
Dreyer: Lawyers must treasure the currency of character
Character is not an aspiration for lawyers, it is a requirement. It is not an exception, it is the rule. No other profession in the world carries such a heavy obligation because the consequences are so great if we fail.
Dreyer: Question while working remotely — Will we ever meet again?
The pandemic has become a mother of invention. But when we return, as we are all committed, to whatever “new normal,” let’s pledge as much “in-person” as the ongoing 21st century court system will allow.
Dreyer: Judge John Baker — A ‘listening’ kind of justice
As his judging life comes to a crossroads, Judge John Baker sees similarities between his first days in small claims court and his last days now on the Court of Appeals.
Dreyer: Speaking of analogies, how about judges and basketball?
I have always wanted to be a basketball referee. Throughout my sports fan life, I have often seen refs that were good, and some that were not so good. As a new lawyer many years ago, and through 16 years of pre-bench practice, I also saw judges who were good and some who were not so good. I always made mental notes about the essential qualities of both kinds of judges for my future reference.
Dreyer: ‘The future ain’t what it used to be’
When Yogi said “the future ain’t what it used to be,” he was talking about uncertain times to come. So what is the future of the legal system?
Dreyer: Questions and answers with Chief Justice Loretta Rush
The Judicial Nominating Commission in August reappointed Indiana Chief Justice Loretta Rush for another term. It was hardly a surprise. Chief Justice Rush is a special kind of judge. Recently, she took time to reflect on her work and remarkable career.
Dreyer: Should judges help litigants who don’t have lawyers?
In 2017, the Legal Services Corporation found 86 percent of civil legal problems of low-income Americans receive no or inadequate help. So what, if anything, should judges do when faced with people in court day after day without lawyers?