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
Duke Law Alum Brings Civics Conversations to His Texas Community
Duke Law alumnus Al Faustino ’79 is using the Bolch Judicial Institute’s Civics Break program to help residents in his Texas community better understand courts.
New Media 101 Seminar Brings Judges, Legal Professionals and Media Leaders Together in Washington, D.C.
On February 16, 2026, the Bolch Judicial Institute of Duke Law convened approximately 50 judges, journalists, educators, and digital creators at Duke in D.C. for a day-long New Media 101 seminar, exploring how courts can engage thoughtfully in...
Bolch Judicial Institute Welcomes New Board Members and Leadership
Bolch Judicial Institute welcomes new board members and leadership, reinforcing its commitment to judicial independence, education, and the rule of law.
Remembering Carl Bolch Jr.: A Champion of the Rule of Law and Judicial Excellence
Carl Bolch Jr., a 1967 Duke Law graduate, founder of the Bolch Judicial Institute at Duke Law School, and chairman emeritus of RaceTrac, Inc., passed away on Friday, Dec. 26. Bolch and his wife, Susan Bass Bolch, established the Bolch Judicial Institute at Duke Law...
David F. Levi Named 2026 Bolch Prize Recipient
David F. Levi has been named the 2026 Bolch Prize recipient, honoring his lifelong commitment to the rule of law and judicial excellence.
NYT Video Essay: U.S. District Judge Esther Salas on the Consequences of Partisan Rhetoric
In a New York Times video essay, U.S. District Judge Esther Salas explains how political attacks on courts threaten judicial independence and public trust.
Retired Judges Warn the Rule of Law Is Unraveling (The Washington Post)
A Washington Post feature highlights warnings from retired judges that political attacks on courts are weakening judicial independence and the rule of law.
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
Georgia Supreme Court Justice Sarah Hawkins Warren discusses judicial leadership, courts, and the role of the judiciary in the administration of justice.
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...
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.