Enhancing Procedural Fairness: New Judicial Training
The Center for Court Innovation—in partnership with the National Judicial College and the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance—has embarked on a national effort to help judges and court staff improve perceptions of fairness in criminal courts.
The Improving Courtroom Communication Project is based on research by Yale Law professor Tom Tyler and others showing that defendants are more likely to comply with the law when they feel they are treated fairly and have a clear understanding of the process. Indeed, recent research has shown that favorable perceptions of the judge was a key factor explaining how drug courts have reduced crime and drug use.
Working with a team of scholars, judges, court administrators, and communication specialists, we have created and piloted a brand-new training curriculum designed to enhance procedural justice and improve courtroom communication techniques. The training offers practical tools for achieving better court outcomes based on the latest research in the field.
We are pleased to announce an open solicitation for jurisdictions interested in participating in the Enhancing Procedural Fairness training. Three local courts will be selected to receive the training. Applications are due on Friday, June 14.
For more information on the application process, click here. Please feel free to contact Emily Gold at golde@courtinnovation.org with questions.