News & Events
The Bolch Judicial Institute hosts a variety of bench-bar events throughout the year. Scroll to see the latest news and events, or subscribe to stay informed.
Latest News
Director Paul W. Grimm Quoted in Wall Street Journal on Procedural Missteps in Federal Case
Director Paul W. Grimm of the Bolch Judicial Institute of Duke Law School, a retired federal judge, said it would be highly unusual for an experienced prosecutor to fail at following basic procedural rules that govern criminal cases. He added that such lapses are “why...
Recorded Webinar: Using Generative AI in Chambers (co-hosted with the American Law Institute)
The American Law Institute and the Bolch Judicial Institute at Duke Law have released a recording of their co-hosted webinar Using Generative AI in Chambers, which originally aired on November 17, 2025. On this webinar, you’ll find judges’ reflections on how...
Conversation with Presiding Justice Sarah Hawkins Warren at the Georgia Supreme Court
Presiding Justice Sarah Hawkins Warren and Paul W. Grimm explored the vital role of state courts and the evolving challenges facing the judiciary. On September 30, 2025, Presiding Justice Sarah Hawkins Warren (Duke Law ’08) of the Supreme Court of Georgia and Paul W....
Bolch Judicial Institute Launches Nonpartisan Civics Education Program
by Michelle Kaminsky t a time of heightened attention on the courts — and record-high threats against judges — the Bolch Judicial Institute of Duke Law School has launched a new initiative to improve understanding of the judiciary and promote civic...
Director Paul W. Grimm Discusses Sentencing Decisions on Bloomberg Law Podcast
On a recent episode of the Bloomberg Law podcast, Judge Paul W. Grimm (ret.), director of the Bolch Judicial Institute of Duke Law, explains the procedural and substantive factors judges must weigh when determining a sentence. The discussion followed U.S. District...
Star Rule of Law Series Explores Judicial Legitimacy During the Civil War Era
A panel will explore the challenges to the courts’ authority from the years leading up to the Civil War through the early 20th century — and why they still matter today. On October 23, the Bolch Judicial Institute of Duke Law School will continue the Star Rule of Law...
Essay: “Participatory Democracy in Action” by David F. Levi
In an essay for NYU’s Democracy Project, David F. Levi, a former federal judge and director emeritus of the Bolch Judicial Institute, reflects on his role mediating a dispute over the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant permit in New Mexico. Over four days, citizen groups,...
Q&A via Reuters: Director Grimm on Proposed FRE 707 and AI Evidence in Federal Court
In a Q&A published in the Practical Law Journal, a publication of Reuters, on Oct. 1, 2025, Judge Paul W. Grimm (ret.), director of the Bolch Judicial Institute of Duke Law, explains the evidentiary challenges courts face with the rise of AI. He distinguishes...
OpEd: Judges-SCOTUS Strife Has Serious Side Effect: A Weaker Judiciary
In an op-ed for Bloomberg Law published on Sept. 30, 2025, Judge Paul W. Grimm (ret.), director of the Bolch Judicial Institute of Duke Law, reflects on tensions between the federal district courts and the U.S. Supreme Court over emergency applications filed by the...
Bob Bauer and Jack Goldsmith Named 2025 Raphael Lemkin Rule of Law Guardian Medal Recipients
Pictured Above: Jack Goldsmith and Bob Bauer speak at a May 2025 Judicature event, where they discussed current challenges facing the judiciary. Read an excerpt from their remarks. *** The award honors Bauer and Goldsmith’s collaborative work bridging partisan divides...
Bolch Judicial Institute Launches Star Rule of Law Series with Constitution Day Event
Thank you to all who attended our Constitution Day celebration! We posted a few pictures from the event on our LinkedIn. We also celebrated the launch of our first animated video on the rule of law, as part of our broader civics outreach initiatives....
Jurists and Lawyers Revisit First Principles at Inaugural Santa Fe Seminar
Pictured Above (from left to right): the Hon. Kimberly Mueller, incoming Bolch Judicial Institute director and senior California U.S. district judge; the Hon. Paul Grimm, outgoing director of the Bolch Judicial Institute and retired Maryland U.S. district judge;...
Upcoming Events
Nov. 20 - Star Rule of Law Series Event
On November 20, the Star Rule of Law Series continues with a lunchtime conversation at Duke Law School.
Bolch Prize 2025: Honoring Justice Jillani
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