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Artificial intelligence is everywhere in the headlines—but how far along are courts and justice agencies actually? In this episode, we cut through the noise to give court leaders an honest, grounded view of where the sector really stands on AI adoption, what’s working right now, and the practical first steps any organization can take today, regardless of size or budget.From establishing an AI governance policy to getting data organized to piloting small, high-impact use cases, our guests share the real-world playbook courts are using to move forward without overextending. If you’ve felt behind with AI, this episode will both reassure you and give you a clear path forward. Key Themes The gap between AI perception and reality in state and local courts Why “not being ahead” doesn’t mean you’re behind How “show me” culture is shaping client expectations Three foundational actions courts can take right now

In today's digital age, the success of technology transformation projects actually has very little to do with technology, and everything to do with the people managing them. In our latest podcast “Successful Court Tech Transformations Start with People: Why Change Management Matters in Court Modernization”, we sat down with Sarah Peterson, Associate Director at Guidehouse and expert in change management. After listening, you'll understand: - How to get staff excited about new technology - Communication strategies for internal and external stakeholders - Common missteps in change management and tips on how to avoid those mistakes

In this episode of Scaling Justice, hear how North Las Vegas Court Administrator Erin Tellez and equivant’s Senior Implementation Manager Mandy Clements turned challenges into success stories. Discover practical strategies, proven best practices, and insider tips for leading smooth tech transitions in court environments. Tune in and learn how to future-proof your court today!

In a world where seeing is no longer believing, how do justice agencies separate fact from fiction? In this episode of scaling justice, we dive deep into how justice agencies and courts are combating the use of deepfakes—AI-generated images, videos, and documents that can distort reality and threaten the integrity of evidence in courtrooms. We discuss how prevalent the issue is now, how fast it is growing, and what courts can do to detect and address deepfakes with cutting-edge technologies. Our guest is a veteran of the justice system and technology companies, MJ Cartwright. She is currently a state-wide mentor with the University of Michigan Innovation Partnerships Team. Her latest venture is with a startup called ProbeTruth – a solution built to ensure authenticity with cutting-edge deepfake detection.

In this episode of "Scaling Justice," we explore the transformative world of Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) with insights from the Massachusetts Trial Court. Discover how technology is revolutionizing the legal landscape by making justice more accessible and efficient. Our expert guest, Caitlin Reddy, Deputy Chief Information Officer for eCourts at Massachusetts Trial Court, shares her experience and lessons learned from implementing ODR. She highlights the challenges and successes of moving from traditional courtrooms to digital platforms. Join us as we explore the future of justice and the innovative solutions that are breaking down barriers and taking us from courtrooms to computers.

In this episode of Scaling Justice, host Brendan Hughes sits down with Stuart Rosove, General Manager at equivant Court, to explore the evolving landscape of justice technology. Rosove shares insights into the slow adoption of tech in courts, many of which still use outdated systems. Highlighting AI’s potential to assist self-represented litigants, Rosove advises court leaders on rethinking workflows and making smart, future-proof decisions. Tune in to hear predictions on emerging technologies and critical action steps for courts to stay ahead.

In this episode, host Brendan Hughes is joined by Judges Jeffrey Adler, William Montgomery, and tech expert Stacey Marz to explore the tech revolution in the judiciary. From initial hurdles like outdated systems and cyberattacks to significant improvements such as e-filing and remote hearings, the panel delves into how technology is transforming courtrooms across the nation. Listen now for valuable insights on navigating and leading technological change in the legal world.

When you improve the docketing process, it helps all stakeholders.   In this episode, Jill Lennon and Tami Ortiz from the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller of Collier County share how they’ve revolutionized court management in Florida. They use ShowCase, equivant’s premier case management system (CMS) specifically configured for Florida laws and procedures. Hear their background in court management, how they use ShowCase along with their own office’s automation, how much quicker their process is now, how to use a CMS to match your vision, and their advice for courts looking to improve efficiency.

The importance of implementing a new case management system (CMS) can’t be stressed enough. It’s the backbone of a highly functional, well-run court that effectively serves its community. But without successful implementation, you might not get the most out of your CMS. In this episode, equivant Director of JWorks Technical Operations Jason Emineth shares how to roll out your new CMS successfully. Hear the important things courts can do to prepare for a new CMS, how to address the amount of time and resources needed, what makes some projects go smoothly and others fail, and the key questions to ask when selecting a vendor.

Get your head into the cloud with equivant’s Patricia Jacoby and explore the benefits of hosted case management systems (CMS).  “It's all about accessibility, and cloud-based systems are basically accessible from anywhere.” Patricia Jacoby has more than 29 years of experience in software development, with a focus on court management products.  She regularly speaks with judges, court administrators, and IT staff to ensure case management software addresses their needs. In this podcast, she shares how cloud-based solutions might be the next big thing in helping organizations improve efficiency and drive cost savings.  Host Bio:  Brendan Hughes | Director of Marketing at equivant  A strategic marketing leader with over 20 years of experience leading highly productive, engaged, and creative teams to exceed brand, lead generation, communications, and revenue goals. Mr. Hughes directs equivant’s thought-leadership initiatives across the justice industry, bringing the expertise of our innovative solutions to help build more efficient, effective, and equitable justice agencies nationwide.  Guest Bio:  Patricia Jacoby | Director of Development for Court Products  Ms. Jacoby has more than 29 years of professional experience in software development. She has managed the business analyst staff, the development staff, and the quality assurance staff for the entire equivant product line.

Get out of the file drawer and into automated case management systems (CMS) with equivant’s Sherry-Lynn Agcanas-Wolf. The pressures of going virtual can be overwhelming for courts plagued by staffing shortages, limited budgets and resources, and increased demand for services. But the ability to automate CMS processes is safe, secure, and a technology that has been around for years. On Scaling Justice, we speak with Sherry-Lynn Agcanas-Wolf, who has spent over 20 years helping courts run more efficiently. In this podcast, she explores how courts benefit from innovative solutions to simplify their case management and workflow systems.

From a single test case to a thriving mental health program that’s saved $2M in incarceration costs over two years: Prosecutor Jonathan Meyer and the team in Lewis County, Wash., are working to keep people with serious mental illnesses out of jail and in contact with the community resources they need. Hear about the inter-agency collaboration that made it all happen on this episode of Scaling Justice. Podcast recorded on Feb. 4, 2020.

“Your job is to make your data discoverable, not to hoard it.” Paul Wormeli has briefed everyone from the former director of national intelligence who wrote those words to J. Edgar Hoover to local agencies, and his message is clear: Integration and collaboration are key to solving justice problems. For over 50 years, Paul has advocated for data sharing in justice, and he joins Scaling Justice to discuss how data drives more equitable outcomes.

Amy Bach, founder of the non-profit Measures for Justice, lives by the motto: “You can’t change what you can’t see.” Illuminating the truth through data has been her life’s passion, and Amy works with agencies across the country to make meaningful change to promote justice. Hear stories about data research at MSJ, and get advice for how your agency can start moving toward greater transparency and positive change.

The line between health issues and legal issues is frequently blurred, particularly with mental illness and substance use disorders. How can we un-blur that line? How do we get people the help they need while maintaining public safety? Ayesha Delany-Brumsey of the Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center and Stepping Up Initiative joins Scaling Justice to examine health issues in the justice system and what’s making a difference.