Fall/Winter 2020-21 News and Updates
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From Director David F. Levi
Dear Friends,
What a busy semester this has been! Despite the terrible pandemic, I’m pleased to report that the Bolch Judicial Institute has adapted and been as busy as ever. We want to be “in the Zoom where it happens!” In October, we launched our Raphael Lemkin Rule of Law Guardian series by honoring Benjamin B. Ferencz, the last living Nuremberg trial prosecutor. Mr. Ferencz — who turned 100 this year — joined Duke Law graduate Michael P. Scharf (co-dean at Case Western Reserve Law School) via Zoom for a lively discussion of his incredible life and career. I heard from many of you afterward that the program was a highlight of your year — it certainly was for me as well. If you weren’t able to join us, you can still watch the program here.
We also welcomed two distinguished judges who spent time in ‘virtual’ residence at Duke Law — Justice Leondra Kruger of the California Supreme Court, and Judge Andrew Oldham of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Both participated in Duke Law classes, met with students, and joined me for a discussion of their lives in the law — all via Zoom, from the comfort of their chambers. We are so grateful to Justice Kruger and Judge Oldham and the many other judges who have shared their valuable time and wisdom with our students over the years.
Our Mass-Tort and MDL Certificate Program went online in November, and though it was somewhat different from our in-person program last year, our faculty of expert lawyers and judges offered a full slate of robust and engaging courses that delved into the details of mass harm litigation. It was, in a small way, an affirmation of our collective resilience — amidst the difficulties of this pandemic, we continue our work to improve the administration of justice, to learn and advance our skills and knowledge, and to come together to examine and find solutions to the challenges we face. I am heartened by the extraordinary efforts of so many who are sustaining the work of our courts and justice system and who continue to seek opportunities for improvement and positive change.
Please read on for more news and updates from the Bolch Judicial Institute. Thank you very much for your support and engagement. Best wishes to you and your families this holiday season.
David F. Levi
Director, Bolch Judicial Institute
Recent News
Benjamin Ferencz named inaugural Lemkin Rule of Law Guardian
Benjamin Ferencz, the last living Nuremberg trial prosecutor, is the first person to be honored by the Bolch Judicial Institute’s Raphael Lemkin Guardian of the Rule of Law series, which celebrates individuals who have worked to protect and advance the rule of law. Read More »
Bolch Judicial Institute welcomes Justice Kruger, Judge Oldham as 'virtual' judges in residence
We welcomed Justice Leondra R. Kruger of the California Supreme Court in September and Judge Andrew Oldham of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in October as part of the Bolch Judicial Institute’s Distinguished Judge in Residence program.
Mass-Tort MDL Program offered virtually for the first time
The Mass-Tort MDL certificate program, which was postponed in March due to the pandemic, was held online via Zoom in November. More than 70 faculty and students participated in the day-long seminar. Learn More »
Advanced e-discovery program to launch in 2021
An advanced e-discovery certificate program produced in partnership by the Bolch Judicial Institute of Duke Law School and the Electronic Discovery Institute (EDI) is slated to launch online in 2021. Read more »
Judge Bernice B. Donald (MJS ’18) receives prestigious ABA award, writes editorial for Law360
Judge Bernice B. Donald of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit recently wrote an article for Law360 on reducing judges' implicit bias. She also received the American Bar Association's Lifetime Liberty Achievement Award in September. Read More »
David F. Levi writes about life after the judiciary for the ABA’s The Judges’ Journal
The Fall 2020 edition of The Judges’ Journal published by the American Bar Association features articles by Levi and MJS graduate Judge Samuel A. Thumma of the Arizona Court of Appeals. Read More »
In Remembrance and Appreciation: Ruth Bader Ginsburg
In an official statement for The American Law Institute, David F. Levi — president of the ALI and director of the Bolch Judicial Institute at Duke Law — offered a personal remembrance of his longtime friend and colleague, Associate Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Read more »
Happy Holidays from the Bolch Judicial Institute
We send best wishes to you and yours for a peaceful holiday season and a new year of good health and hope. View our virtual holiday card »
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Help support the Bolch Judicial Institute's efforts to strengthen the rule of law and improve the administration of justice through teaching, scholarship, innovation, and collaboration. Give online today at www.gifts.duke.edu/law and learn more about the Institute at judicialstudies.duke.edu.
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