About the Bolch Judicial Institute at Duke Law School
The Bolch Judicial Institute’s mission is to study and advance rule-of-law principles, judicial independence, and law reform through technology and innovation. We provide unique educational opportunities for sitting judges in the United States and around the globe; conduct research and support teaching and scholarship; and develop civic education initiatives to advance our mission. The Institute was established in 2018 by a generous gift from Carl Bolch Jr. and Susan Bass Bolch.
Programs
Master of Judicial Studies
As the nation’s only elite post-graduate degree program for federal, state, and foreign judges, the Master of Judicial Studies program welcomes a class of 20 judges every other year. The judges spend two summer semesters in residence at Duke and produce a scholarly thesis paper.
The Bolch Prize
The Bolch Prize is awarded annually to individuals or entities who have distinguished themselves in the preservation or advancement of the rule of law through a lifetime of service.
Judicature
A scholarly journal that explores all aspects of the administration of justice, the judiciary, and the rule of law. The journal publishes three times a year and is mailed to all federal judges, all state supreme court justices, state appellate judges, and commercial court judges. The EDRM community is invited to share articles for consideration. It’s also fully available online, along with details on sponsorships and article submissions, at http://judicature.duke.edu.
Conferences
Our conferences and educational programs bring together practitioners, scholars, and jurists to study issues, discuss ideas and develop best practices for improving the administration of justice. In addition, the Institute offers an annual certificate program in mass tort and MDL for practicing attorneys and law and technology programs for judges (in partnership with the Federal Judicial Center). In 2021, the Institute will launch an advanced certificate program in e-discovery litigation in partnership with EDI.
Highlights:
COVID-19 and the Courts:
A clearinghouse of information, judicial orders, best practices, and more relating to how courts are navigating the challenges of COVID-19.
Judgment Calls:
A podcast and video series that highlights the lives and day-to-day work of judges.
Lemkin Guardian of the Rule of Law series:
Highlighting the work of rule-of-law advocates around the world and through history.
Contact us:
Get involved with the Institute’s programs, attend a conference, join our mailing list, subscribe or submit an article to Judicature, and more.