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Published by the Bolch Judicial Institute of Duke Law
July 2026 • Judicature International
Dear Reader,
Today is the International Day of Judicial Well-Being. Celebrated annually on July 25, the day is meant to be a time of reflection and consideration of topics related to mental health and well-being that, for too long, have remained in the shadows. Fortunately, with each new report, study, and conversation, more light is being shed on these important topics.
This edition of Judicature International features two contributions to that growing body of work: an article by Carly Schrever on the judicial career cycle and a short research brief I wrote about a report released earlier this month on the well-being of Canada’s federally appointed judges.
As Schrever writes in her excellent piece, “forewarned is forearmed.” May we use today to expand our understanding of mental health and well-being and apply that knowledge to make a difference.
— Eric Surber
Web Editor, Judicature and Judicature International
JULY 2026 FEATURE
The Judicial Career Cycle — How Stress and Well-Being Are Experienced at Different Stages
Drawing on interviews with 59 Australian judges and magistrates, Carly Schrever explores how the judicial career cycle can shape well-being.
Judicial appointment is often viewed as the culmination of a legal career — a professional pinnacle rather than the beginning of a new career cycle. Yet judicial service may span decades, and the demands, rewards, and psychological experience of the role can change significantly over time.
Drawing on interviews with 59 judges and magistrates from five Australian courts, Carly Schrever examines the distinct stages of the judicial career and how stress, satisfaction, and professional identity shift across them. Originally published in the May 2026 issue of the Judicial Officers’ Bulletin, the article is reprinted here with the author’s permission.
RESEARCH IN BRIEF
New Canadian Study Links Judicial Well-Being to Workload, Safety, and Court Resources
The report, released July 9, identifies several factors associated with symptoms of burnout and offers potential reforms.
A new national study commissioned by the Canadian Judicial Council examines how workload, safety concerns, and workplace conditions affect the health and well-being of Canada’s federally appointed judges. Drawing on interviews and survey responses from more than 65% of the judiciary, the report also identifies potential institutional reforms.
In this research brief, web editor Eric Surber highlights findings related to judicial safety and challenges associated with self-represented litigation.
How Is Judicial Well-Being Addressed in Your Court?
In your experience as a judge, what pressures and workplace stressors contribute to symptoms of burnout? What reforms and changes do you think would have the most meaningful impact on overall mental health?
We welcome perspectives from judges around the world as we continue covering judicial well-being, court culture, and institutional support.
Share your court’s approach using this form.
Global Judicial News:
July 2026
External links note: Links to external news articles, reports, and other materials are provided for reference and reader convenience. The Bolch Judicial Institute does not control, endorse, or assume responsibility for the content, advertising, accessibility, or availability of external sites.
Accountability & Court Decisions
ICC Confirms Charges Against Libyan War Crimes Suspect | Reuters
Congo Files ICJ Case Against Rwanda Over Role in Conflict | By Ange Adihe Kasongo for Reuters
EU Law Does Not Preclude the Spanish Amnesty Law for Normalisation of the Situation in Catalonia | Court of Justice of the European Union
ICC Official Says Breakthrough Made in Darfur Investigations | By Mahamat Ramadane for Reuters
Judicial Reform & Administration
Mozambique's First Justice Congress Concludes with Landmark Pact to Drive Justice Sector Reform Over the Next 20 Years | United Nations Development Programme
State Department Launches Campaign to Dismantle International Criminal Court’s Threat to American Sovereignty | U.S. Department of State
U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar Introduces Resolution Urging U.S. to Join International Criminal Court | U.S. House of Representatives
The CEPEJ is Assisting Andorra in Implementing a System to Measure the Workload of the Courts | European Commission for the Efficiency of Justice
Hungary's President Signs Law Change Ending His Term in Office | By Gergely Szakacs for Reuters
Research, Reports & Innovation
2026 Rule of Law Report | European Commission
OECD Justice Review of Ukraine: Delivering Better Justice Outcomes for People | Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
UN International Law Commission Holds 77th Session on Key Issues of International Law | United Nations
EU Tech Tsar Spars with Justice Chief Over New Online Rule Book | Financial Times
This news roundup was compiled by Polina Solovyeva, a JD candidate at Duke Law School and a Student Editor for Judicature International.
