PICTURED ABOVE: Chief Judge Chris Dillon of the N.C. Court of Appeals offers introductory remarks at the Bolch Judicial Institute’s first Defending the Judiciary Conference. Credit: Brian Mullins Photography
The Bolch Judicial Institute of Duke Law School hosted a conference Oct. 31-Nov. 1, 2024, at Duke University as part of its Defending the Judiciary initiative. The conference’s primary aim was to find better ways to defend judges and the judiciary from a growing wave of unfair and inappropriate attacks that threaten judicial independence and diminish public faith in our judicial system.
Amid concerns over threats to judicial autonomy, safety, and public trust, the panelists’ discussions centered on the growing impact of misinformation, judicial security, and the need for cooperative efforts to reinforce public trust.
“We are incredibly grateful for the enthusiasm, support, and dialogue that we fostered through this conference,” said Paul W. Grimm, a retired federal judge and director of the Bolch Judicial Institute of Duke Law School. “It shows that there is widespread support for initiatives, like civic education and improving media relations, to help counter the dis- and misinformation campaigns that are undermining the public’s faith in the judicial system. We look forward to continuing these conversations and following up with the hard work needed to safeguard judges and the rule of law.”
The conference was recorded, and video and transcripts will be posted of each panel in the coming weeks. Click here to download the conference agenda. For more information about the Defending the Judiciary initiative and to subscribe to updates on this project, visit judicialstudies.duke.edu/DEFENDING.
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