Enhancing Judicial Skills in Domestic Violence (EJS) Workshop

April 15-18, 2012 (apply online)
San Francisco, California

Program Overview & Workshop Description

The workshop will address the topics described below, using hypothetical case problems, role-play exercises, small group discussions, faculty demonstrations, and a working lunch.  This highly interactive format enables judges from different jurisdictions and levels of experience to learn from one another.

Who should attend:

All state court judges nationwide are eligible to attend the workshops, but priority will be given to judges from jurisdictions currently receiving one of the following OVW Grants: (1) Grants to Encourage Arrest, (2) STOP Violence Against Indian Women Grants, or (3) Rural Domestic Violence and Child Victimization Enforcement Grant Program Priority is also given to OVW funded agencies jurisdictions that send more than one judge. The program is offered free of charge. A $75 activity fee covers the cost of a reception, which cannot be financed with OVW grant funds. Local OVW funded and some courts might cover their judges’ travel and per diem costs. All participants are responsible for their own travel and per diem costs.

Victim & Perpetrator Behavior
3.5 Hours
The segment will help participants understand the motivation and behavior of perpetrators and adult and child victims.

Fact-Finding
3.5 Hours
Participants will learn how to apply an understanding of domestic violence to judicial fact-finding and identify evidentiary issues that are of primary concern for judges.

Access to Justice and Judge’s Role in Community Response to Domestic Violence
3.5 Hours
This segment focuses on identifying and overcoming barriers to achieving justice in domestic violence cases by focusing on the judge as a leader in the justice system and a coordinated community response to domestic violence.

Fairness and Culture Issues in Domestic Violence Cases
3.25 Hours
Participants will formulate definitions of culture and cultural competence, discuss the dynamics of difference, and identify ways in which culture is relevant in the courtroom.

Decision-Making Skills and Enforcement
3.25 Hours
This segment focuses on how judges can apply the law in their jurisdictions to the facts in cases involving domestic violence, and how they can effectively enhance compliance with their orders.

Practical Courtroom Exercises
3 Hours
Participants will move among five breakout rooms to participate in a series of practical courtroom exercises designed to help them identify issues involving domestic violence.

Download the application