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 Kim Mueller Calls for Stronger Judicial Security Funding in POLITICO
As threats against federal judges increase, Bolch Judicial Institute Director Kim Mueller points to secure, protected funding for judicial security as an essential part of the response. In a POLITICO article examining new research on threats to judges and concerns...
Asst. Dir. Amelia Thorn on Bringing Trauma-informed Practices to the Bench
Amelia Thorn, assistant director of the Bolch Judicial Institute, was recently profiled by Duke Law News for her research on how judges view and adopt trauma-informed practices in their courtrooms — and how those practices can shape the broader courthouse environment....
Bolch Judicial Institute receives $5 million award from The Duke Endowment
he Bolch Judicial Institute at Duke Law School has received a $5 million grant from The Duke Endowment. This new support will strengthen the Master of Judicial Studies program, expand judicial education programming to address emerging issues such...
Remembering Stanley A. Star ’61: A Legacy of Generosity To Be Sustained for Generations
The Stanley A. Star and Elizabeth A. Star Rule of Law Fund carries forward Stanley Star’s longstanding commitment to Duke Law. Stanley A. Star ’61, who passed away in late May 2026, will be remembered for his generosity, leadership, and service, which left a lasting...
A July 4 Tradition: Reading the Declaration Aloud
Director Kim Mueller reflects on July 2, July 4, and the unfinished work of forming a more perfect union.
David F. Levi Awarded 2026 Bolch Prize for the Rule of Law
n April 15, 2026, the Bolch Judicial Institute at Duke Law School honored David F. Levi as the 2026 recipient of the Susan and Carl Bolch Jr. Prize for the Rule of Law, recognizing a career devoted to strengthening the rule of law and bringing...
Photo Gallery: Bolch Prize 2026
View photos from the 2026 Bolch Prize ceremony honoring David F. Levi for his lifelong commitment to the rule of law and legal institutions.
Civics Break for America’s 250th
Learn about courts, civic participation, and the rule of law with retired N.C. Supreme Court Justice Robin Hudson. As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, we are excited to share a special presentation of Civics Break, our short civics education course,...
New Trauma-Informed Court Resources for Judges and Court Stakeholders
ourts across the country are grappling with the simple reality that trauma shapes how people experience the justice system. To help address that challenge, the Bolch Judicial Institute has launched a full suite of free educational materials on...
Watch, Pause, Reflect: Video Shorts for Law Day
For Law Day 2026, the Bolch Judicial Institute shares short video excerpts from the 2026 Bolch Prize honoring David F. Levi, with reflections on the rule of law, judicial independence, public trust, civility, and American democracy.
Bolch Judicial Institute hosts 2026 McGovern Symposium on Civil Litigation
he Bolch Judicial Institute at Duke Law School hosted the 2026 McGovern Symposium on Civil Litigation on February 26–27, bringing together judges, scholars, and practitioners for a discussion of major issues shaping contemporary civil litigation....
Director Kim Mueller Reflects on the Vital Role of Trial Courts in Keynote Address
In keynote remarks at the Duke Journal of Constitutional Law & Public Policy symposium on February 6, 2026, Kim Mueller, director of the Bolch Judicial Institute and retired federal judge, shared lessons from the bench about why people, pleadings, and facts matter...
Upcoming Events
Judges-only Webinar — Extreme Heat
Wed., Aug. 26, 2026 at 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT | Zoom
Learn more and register.