The JudgeMental Podcast – EP 05 AI is Coming

Hosts: Hugh & Christine

Episode Summary:

In this candid and insightful episode, Hugh and Christine, the minds behind Judge-y, dive deep into the realities of the court system, judicial accountability, and the challenges facing both practitioners and the public. They discuss their recent experience observing local judges, the persistent backlog in district courts, and the impact of COVID-era scheduling on justice delivery.

Key Topics:

• Judicial Attendance & Accountability: The hosts share their observations on the low number of judges present in court and what that means for public trust and case backlogs.
• The 10-Day Rule & Scheduling Issues: How attempts to waive the 10-day preliminary hearing rule affected court efficiency and defendants’ rights.
• Courtroom Practices: The quirks of local court systems, from handwritten “jackets” to the lack of electronic processes.
• Prosecutorial Policies: The impact of hardline policies on case outcomes, especially for vulnerable defendants.
• Bar Association Critique: A frank discussion about the Kentucky Bar Association’s role, mandatory CLEs, and the mental health of attorneys.
• Legal Advertising & Professional Culture: The evolution of attorney advertising rules and the tension between tradition and innovation.
• AI & the Future of Law: Predictions on how artificial intelligence will transform legal practice, from document review to judicial analysis.
• Judicial Orders & Staff Attorneys: The ethics and realities of staff attorneys drafting orders and the use of signature stamps.
• Public Perception & Social Media: How speaking out about the judiciary can provoke strong reactions, both online and within the legal community.
• Listener Engagement: The hosts read and react to audience comments, including a poll about courtroom attendance and some lighthearted banter about martinis and Burger Week.

Notable Quotes:

• “Absolute power corrupts absolutely, regardless of the scale that it’s on.”
• “If attorneys could run businesses like a business, they could innovate, they could cut the cost down, which would then trickle down somewhat.”
• “AI is going to change everything about law practice in the next few years.”

Call to Action:

Stay tuned for updates on Judge-y and the push for greater transparency in the courts. Visit judgey.com for more information, and don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast!

Connect with Us:

• Website: judgey.com