Video & Transcript : 'Judge Breyer' :
Page 15 of 364
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- I have Judge Onan and Judge Sims.
- Judge Onan.
- I have Judge Onan and Judge Sims.
- I have Judge Onan and Judge Sims.
- I have Judge Onan and Judge Sims.
Committee:
Joint Local Government
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Child Custody Review Task Force Feb 23rd, 2026 at 10:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- Judge Hovey. Here. Mr. Corey Johnson. Judge Hovey. Here. Mr. Corey Johnson. Ms.
- the South Central judges.
- Judge Holby.
- Judge Holby.
- This is Judge Hovey.
Summary:
The Child Custody Review Task Force met with a quorum, approved the prior meeting minutes, and reviewed a memorandum compiling member suggestions for possible legislation. The memo grouped ideas into topics including creation of a family court, expanded education for parents, attorneys, and judges, expedited hearings for parenting-time violations, limiting law enforcement involvement in custody disputes, creating parenting time expediters, and adopting more uniform court procedures. Members also discussed whether to form subcommittees, but the task force decided to continue working as a full committee rather than create subcommittees at this time.
The committee then heard testimony from Dr. John Perez, a mental health professional, who described his personal custody experience and his professional work with families he believes have been affected by parental alienation. He argued for stronger education, faster court response times, and better tools to address intentional interference with parenting time. Members questioned him about his case history, the concept of parental alienation, and whether specialized family courts or judges with family-law training could help. Dr. Perez said a dedicated family court and faster hearings would likely have helped his situation.
The task force spent substantial time discussing the possible creation of a family court. Judge Hovey supported the idea of a specialized family court or at least a study of one, saying family cases are distinct from ordinary adversarial litigation and that judges with family-law experience could better handle them. Several members agreed that a family court could improve consistency, expertise, and speed, but others cautioned that the task force’s current directive is focused on enforcement of existing orders rather than broader custody policy, and noted that voters had previously rejected equal shared parenting proposals. The group also discussed expedited procedures for parenting-time disputes, with Judge Hovey suggesting a 30-day hearing timeline may be workable.
On education, members generally supported requiring parents to complete a parenting education course and adding educational materials explaining court process, child support, and what judges can and cannot do. Mr. McLean suggested a short instructional video for litigants and more family-law education for judges and attorneys, while Ms. Moldenhauer said education could be incorporated into scheduling orders or mediation orders. Members also discussed the Parents Forever course, including whether it should be mandatory in all counties and whether cost is a barrier; no vote was taken on any of these proposals.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- judge well there was a case where the judge made a bad decision and it was the judge made a bad decision
- the murder charge the judge couldnot the murder charge the judge couldnot the murder charge the judge
- judge based on not you're electing that judge based on not you're electing that judge based on not his
- so the only way that the judge judge so the only way that the judge judge so the only way that the judge
- of saying well judge you made a instead of saying well judge you made a instead of saying well judge
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Senior Judge Richard Clifton, U.S. District Court; Judge Helen Gillmor, U.S.
- Gilmore US District Court Judge J Gilmore US District Court Judge J Michael<00:17:57.960><c> sebrite<
- </c> US District Court chief Magistrate Judge US District Court chief Magistrate Judge Kenneth Kenneth
- </c><00:50:59.960><c> and</c><00:51:00.119><c> Court</c> Judges and Deputy Chief Judges and Court Judges
- </c> out to Judge Melanie May retired judge out to Judge Melanie May retired judge Joseph<00:59:29.799
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JDC, JDC Public Hearings 03-31-2026
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> make a good judge. make a good judge.
- As a judge, Ms. Durant will bring move. As a judge, Ms.
- </c><00:16:04.520><c> on</c> judges on crime or soft judges on judges on crime or soft judges on defense
- </c> are expected of a judge. are expected of a judge.
- </c> serve as a judge. serve as a judge.
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee held a hearing on the confirmation of Kursha Kauahi Kani Mililani Durrant to the District Court of the First Circuit, but announced it would not vote until April 2. The chair also noted a backup plan if Zoom failed. Testimony was limited to two minutes per speaker. The hearing focused on Durrant’s qualifications, judicial temperament, and readiness for the bench, with no opposition presented.
Support came from the Office of the Public Defender, Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation, Native Hawaiian Bar Association, Hawaii State Bar Association, Hawaii Women’s Lawyers, and numerous individuals. Witnesses described Durrant as highly experienced in both criminal and civil practice, including district, family, circuit, appellate, ICA, and Supreme Court work. Several speakers emphasized her legal reasoning, mentorship, civility, cultural grounding, and ability to listen and treat litigants with dignity. Personal supporters also highlighted her public service, hula background, and character.
Committee members questioned Durrant about how she would approach district court cases involving repeat offenders, mental illness, substance abuse, houselessness, and diversion. Durrant said she would follow the law, consider the full range of sentencing factors, and use available probation, diversion, and treatment options where appropriate. She said she would be committed to using legislative tools such as Act 26 and other diversion powers, and to looking beyond advocacy toward practical justice and reducing recidivism. She also said her clerkship with Judge Marsha Waldorf, including exposure to drug court and mental health court, shaped her approach to problem-solving on the bench.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Matt Hagan and Judge Andrew... Matt Hagan and Judge Angelo Piazza.
- I'm Judge Matt Hagan. I am a current judge of Homa City Court.
- But you have two city judges and you have two district judges. That's right.
- Judge Matt Hagan and Judge Brett Sledge.
- Good afternoon, judges.
Bills:
HR2 , HR37 , HR61 , HCR11 , HCR64 , HB89 , HB183 , HB341 , HB371 , HB451 , HB480 , HB520 , HB541 , HB579 , HB597 , HB816 , HB1004 , HB1064 , HB1165 , SB44
Committee:
House Judiciary
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum and first took up House Bill 1165, which was converted into a substitute bill to reorganize the Avoyelles Parish court system by creating two city courts, one for Marksville and one for Bunkie, and expanding their jurisdiction parishwide, including small claims and certain misdemeanor, civil, and juvenile matters. The sponsor and supporting judges said the change would better use existing courts and improve access to justice, while the district attorney opposed it, arguing it would not help the criminal docket, could create staffing and constitutional issues, and needed more study. After questions about voting districts, appellate procedure, and minority vote dilution, the committee adopted the substitute and reported the bill favorably.
The committee then heard House Bill 1064 creating a domestic violence intervention court pilot program in the 19th Judicial District, with testimony from the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council and the YWCA describing a specialty court model focused on accountability, victim services, and wraparound support. The bill was reported favorably. House Bill 341, clarifying law enforcement officer rights during administrative investigations, was amended to specify administrative matters and reported with amendments. House Concurrent Resolution 64, as amended, expanded a study of behavioral health courts to include additional parishes and a later reporting deadline, and was reported favorably. House Bill 579, the sexual assault survivor bill of rights, was amended to strengthen notice, confidentiality, and funding provisions and then reported favorably.
Later, House Bill 1004, which would have raised the jurisdictional threshold for justice of the peace courts from $5,000 to $7,500, drew significant opposition from city court judges who warned of unintended consequences, including different evidentiary standards, possible attorney-representation issues for entities, and added burdens on district courts. Supporters framed it as an inflation adjustment and access-to-justice measure, but after debate the committee voted 5-11 to defer the bill. House Bill 183, limiting courthouse cell phone bans in fee-payment areas, was amended and then failed on a 7-7 tie with the chair voting no. The committee also reported favorably House Bill 451 on ATC hearing notices, House Bill 541 on micro distillers via substitute, Senate Bill 44 on tactical medical professionals’ firearms, House Resolution 37 honoring veterans who served in Honduras, and House Bill 89 requiring a district attorney office to pay certain retirees’ health premiums from its own funds. Several other bills were voluntarily deferred, and the meeting ended with a motion to adjourn.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- district court judge, Judge Browning.
- Judge Browning is a very exceptionally strict and talented judge.
- I think Judge Browning is a Republican appointee. Does anybody know who appointed Judge Browning?
- And I think judges could Prosecutors, lawyers, public defenders, and judges, right?
- That's kind of the ode to the judge, judges' discretion, things of that nature.
Committees:
Senate Senate Judiciary , Senate House Judiciary
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- The judge can put that in.
- can't do because judges can...
- So effectively, they lower a bond when a judge... lower a bond when a judge can't.
- Our judges, some of them...
- Judge, sir, I did have a comment, please. Judge, sir, I did have a comment, please.
Committee:
Senate Judiciary
Keywords:
hospital liens, medical billing, government healthcare, insurance claims, patient rights, blood tests, DUI, law enforcement, traffic offenses, chemical analysis, public nuisance, event liability, local government, community health, legal action, transparency, reporting, public safety, regulation, accountability
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee 2/11/25
Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Transcript Highlights:
- Litigants are the primary complainants, but we do get a lot from attorneys and judges, chief judges,
- I meet individually with judges.
- I meet individually with judges.
- </c><00:35:47.800><c> has</c> judge the whether uh whether a judge has judge the whether uh whether a
- When is the judge notified?
Committee:
House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Judiciary Feb 4th, 2026
Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence
Transcript Highlights:
- Judge, representative. I always refer to folks as judge because I think I was trained that way.
- Will this bill make more work for judges?
- I believe in our judges.
- we made judges a gatekeeper.
- Here we're asking a judge to do what the judges should do with all sorts of evidence: Is it admissible
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee first heard House Bill 2255, sponsored by Rep. Barry Hovis, which would update Missouri’s expert witness statute to align with the amended federal Rule 702 and the Daubert reliability framework. Supporters, including defense lawyers, the Missouri Hospital Association, business groups, insurers, and a sterilization company, argued the bill would clarify judges’ gatekeeping role, require expert testimony to be shown reliable by a preponderance of the evidence, and reduce inconsistent rulings and costly retrials. Opponents, including the Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys, a public advocate, and a justice reform group, argued the bill was unnecessary, would shift too much discretion from juries to judges, and could increase pretrial litigation and costs, especially for plaintiffs. No vote was taken on HB 2255 during the hearing.
The committee then heard House Bill 3155, sponsored by Rep. Benny Cook, on sentencing and parole eligibility changes. Cook and supporters, including prosecutors and some public safety advocates, said the bill would improve transparency in sentencing, make parole timing clearer, and help address repeat serious offenders by setting firmer service percentages. Opponents, including justice reform and anti-poverty advocates, argued it would increase incarceration costs, especially for lower-level and drug offenses, without improving public safety, and would reduce incentives for rehabilitation. Some members questioned whether the bill could lead to longer time served, while supporters said it would apply evenly and clarify existing sentencing practices.
At the end of the hearing, the committee took up an executive session on House Bill 2637 and House Bill 3155 together under a House Committee Substitute. The substitute was adopted, and the combined committee substitute for HB 2637 and HB 3155 was voted do pass by an 8-3 roll call.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Children and Family Law (10/28/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- And the judge said, "Well, the formula is the formula, but as a judge, I can increase it or decrease
- </c><00:58:45.760><c> said</c> So also um this particular judge said So also um this particular judge
- And<00:59:01.839><c> the</c><00:59:02.000><c> judge</c><00:59:02.400><c> said,</c> And the judge said
- In this particular case, the judge increased it. >> Can the judge... >> So, it can happen in court.
- </c> wasn't fair because that stupid judge wasn't fair because that stupid judge did<01:10:28.159><c>
Summary:
The subcommittee on Family Court reviewed several previously distributed reports, including a comparison of family court structures in other states and a report on improving New Hampshire family court pre-trial and mediation practices. The main new topic was a report on the intersection of domestic violence and family courts in New Hampshire, with members discussing how domestic violence cases in superior or district court can overlap with custody matters in family court and how courts may not be aware of related proceedings in other venues.
Members discussed RSA 490-D:2 and related statutes, noting that family courts have original jurisdiction over certain abuse, neglect, and domestic violence matters, with concurrent jurisdiction in some protective-order cases. The discussion focused on practical problems such as confidentiality in domestic violence cases, limited access to case information by nonparties, and the need for courts to better communicate about companion cases. Suggestions included a shared or unified database, expanded lethality assessments for law enforcement, and a requirement that criminal courts report domestic violence convictions or protective-order violations to family court so judges are aware of the full case context.
The subcommittee also discussed ways to help self-represented litigants, including better education at first appearance, clearer guidance about raising protective orders or criminal charges at hearings, daily docket review by clerks, and a possible “lawyer for the day” program modeled on Massachusetts. One member raised the idea of a family safety docket, while another noted that New Hampshire already has a complex case docket for high-conflict matters and that cases generally stay with one judge when possible. No votes were taken, and the chair said the subcommittee would continue reviewing materials and could return to work next year, with possible bill amendments to follow.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Children and Family Law (01/13/2026)
Children and Family Law
Transcript Highlights:
- c> judge</c><01:40:49.840><c> will</c><01:40:50.080><c> say,</c> judge will say, the judge will say,
- And law judges or are they real judges?
- judges?
- </c> constitutional judges. constitutional judges.
- </c> judge or in my case I had two judges judge or in my case I had two judges that<03:46:31.040><c>
Committee:
House Children and Family Law
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
January 14, 2025 - 01:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair: And I will be playing the judge, of course, Judge Happily.
- Judge Happily: Good morning.
- Judge Happily: Thank you, counsel.
- Judge: Mr. Gergen, any other witnesses at this time? Mr. Gergen: No, Your Honor. Judge: Okay.
- Judge: Go ahead, Ms. Spiegel. Ms.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- Judge, Representative. I always refer to folks as judge because I think I was trained that way.
- I believe in our judges.
- Representative Judge Dolan, perfect example.
- Here we're asking a judge to do what the judges should do with all sorts of evidence: Is it admissible
- The judge is deciding reliability.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- So the committee sends three candidates to the judge, I mean, sorry, to the governor to be a judge.
- judges, but associates who want to be circuits are oftentimes judges.
- become either a judge.
- or associate judge.
- I know judges. I know Judge... When I go in front of them, I know that they're going to be fair.
Committee:
House General Laws
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
January 15, 2025 - 01:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- And thank you, Judge.
- The judge... The judge asks questions. Sometimes this is done in private.
- There was a senior judge.
- Those plea agreements come in front of the judge. The judge reviews them.
- Those plea agreements come in front of the judge. The judge reviews them.
Summary:
The Criminal Justice Subcommittee held its first meeting of 2025, took roll, confirmed a quorum, and heard member introductions before turning to an informational panel on how a criminal case moves through Florida’s system. The chair emphasized respectful committee process and introduced staff, then invited the panel to explain the path from arrest through prosecution, first appearance, arraignment, discovery, trial, plea negotiations, and sentencing.
Sheriff Bob Gualtieri described law enforcement discretion, probable cause, misdemeanor and felony arrest rules, pre-arrest diversion, jail operations, and the statewide uniform bond schedule. He also discussed jail overcrowding, supervised release, mental health and substance abuse issues in jails, and the need for better case management and diversion resources. Judge Frank Allman explained first appearance, bond setting, arraignment, trial procedures, plea colloquies, and sentencing under Florida’s punishment code, including downward departures and victim impact statements.
State Attorney Jack Campbell outlined charging decisions, the higher proof burden prosecutors must meet, coordination with law enforcement, Baker Act proceedings, victim notification, informations versus grand jury indictments, and the role of diversion and treatment courts. Public Defender Matthew Mets described indigency screening, discovery, the growing volume and technical complexity of evidence, mitigation work, and the importance of treatment-based resolutions. Members asked about time-served credit for supervised release, mental health recidivism, homelessness enforcement, ICE holds, and sentencing discretion; no votes were taken and the meeting ended after the informational presentation and discussion.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama House County and Municipal Government Committee Feb 11th, 2026
County and Municipal Government
Transcript Highlights:
- In some cases, with the probate judges, they're tied to other judges.
- And if that judge leaves office and another judge comes in at a lower rate, guess what?
- ,</c><00:00:59.960><c> probate</c><00:01:00.280><c> judges,</c> commissioners, judges, probate judges
- </c> the judge. the judge.
- </c> A year later, the judge A year later, the judge retires. retires. retires.
Committee:
House County and Municipal Government
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice and Judiciary (8-20-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm a district judge in Christian County. >> And then Judge Gabart is joining on Zoom.
- Judge Gabart serves as adult drug court and mental health court judge in Bourbon, Scott, and Woodford
- Thank you, Judge Cutoff.
- Um, it's it's weird to say I'm just the judge, but I'm just the judge.
- >> Bye, Judge Gabard. >> Bye, Judge Gabard.
Summary:
The subcommittee received an overview of Kentucky’s specialty courts from Audrey Collins of the Department of Specialty Courts and the Administrative Office of the Courts, along with testimony from Christian County District Judge Foster Cutoff. Collins described the mission and structure of drug, mental health, and veterans treatment courts, emphasizing therapeutic jurisprudence, individualized treatment, judicial oversight, and multidisciplinary teams. She said Kentucky currently has about 2,991 active participants across the three court types, with drug courts in all 120 counties, mental health courts in 17 counties, and veterans treatment courts in eight counties. She also highlighted reported outcomes such as 7,658 entrants and 4,384 successful completions from 2020 to 2024, a five-year average completion rate of 57%, and lower recidivism among graduates than the statewide average.
Collins also reviewed funding and costs, saying the department’s fiscal year 2025 budget was $18.6 million, with most of it from general funds, plus restricted and federal funds. She noted spending on personnel, treatment services, and drug testing, and said specialty courts allow participants to remain employed and meet obligations such as child support and restitution. She said participants paid more than $5.4 million in child support, restitution, and other court-related obligations over five years, and that a statewide evaluation by Morehead State University is underway. In response to questions, she said a dip in 2024 collections may have been affected by a case management system overhaul, and that court costs can be waived in some indigent cases while restitution is still required.
Judge Cutoff described veterans treatment court and mental health court in Christian County, saying the programs are especially important because of the nearby Fort Campbell military community and because they help veterans with PTSD, traumatic brain injury, substance use, and related issues. He said the courts rely heavily on staff, treatment providers, and the VA, which helps connect participants to benefits and therapy. He also said mental health court participants receive housing, benefits, and medication support, and that the programs can keep people out of jail and help them stabilize. Committee members asked about the legal basis and history of the courts, and Collins explained that Kentucky’s specialty courts began as pilot programs in the mid-1990s, shifted from federal support to state funding around 2008-2009, and are now largely state funded. No votes or formal actions were taken during the discussion.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Um I was pert judge between judges<00:10:43.200><c> back</c><00:10:43.440><c> in</c> judges back in judges
- </c><00:19:27.280><c> Judge</c> three judges circuit court. Judge three judges circuit court.
- Judge probate.
- I'm fortunate to have learned so much from the judges, Judge Kim, Judge Abara, and so many others that
- I'm fortunate to have learned so much from the judges, Judge Kim, Judge Abara, and so many others that
Committee:
Senate Judiciary
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on Governor’s Message 767, the nomination of Kanoi AD Jackson to serve as circuit court judge for the Third Circuit. The chair announced that the committee would not vote on the governor’s message or two judge nominations until Tuesday, April 15, but planned to vote that day on two Defender Council items. Testimony on Jackson’s nomination was limited to two minutes per speaker, and the hearing was conducted partly by Zoom.
Supporters emphasized Jackson’s qualifications, work ethic, judicial temperament, and community ties. Testifiers included the West Hawaii Bar Association, family members, a retired teacher, retired Judge Robert Kim, and the Hawaii State Bar Association. The West Hawaii Bar Association said Jackson received high marks from its review process and that the Third Circuit needed a permanent judge for stability. Judge Kim and others praised her preparation, intelligence, humility, and experience as a prosecutor and litigator. Jackson also spoke in her own behalf, acknowledging that her background is primarily criminal rather than civil, but saying she is committed to learning the civil docket and serving the community if confirmed.
Members questioned the Hawaii State Bar Association about the basis for its support, including how many members responded and whether concerns were raised about Jackson’s lack of civil experience. HSBA said it uses a confidential review process, receives both positive and negative comments, and does not track votes or percentages, but its board voted to support her. Judge Kim responded that judges can learn new areas of law, that civil dockets can be managed with benchbooks and help from other judges, and that Jackson’s trial experience would serve her well. No vote was taken on Jackson’s nomination during this hearing.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Well, it happens at different times, you know, depending on the judge. The judge or what?
- about a judge?
- , an elected judge.
- A judge reviews it for enough.
- A judge reviews it for enough.
Committee:
House Judiciary
Summary:
The committee first took up SCR 30 by Senator Connick, which memorializes Congress to compel the Department of Justice to release unclassified Epstein-related records. Senator Connick gave personal remarks about child sexual abuse and the need to hold powerful people accountable. Representative Newell supported the resolution, and the committee reported it favorably without opposition.
Next, the committee considered SCR 40 by Senator Selders, urging Congress to timely pass defense appropriations that fully fund and align with the National Defense Authorization Act. The measure was briefly explained as a statement of support for military readiness and proper appropriations, and it was moved favorably with no opposition.
The main substantive discussion centered on SB 259 by Senator Barrow, which would authorize an online portal for civil protective order applications. A Supreme Court protective order registry representative explained that the portal would let domestic and dating violence survivors complete petitions online, with the same judicial review, service, and hearing process that exists now; the bill would not eliminate manual filing. Members asked about fees, guidance for applicants, verification, judicial review, public access, and the risk of false filings. The witness and several members emphasized that the process remains temporary and ex parte at the outset, that final orders are issued by judges, and that the registry is not public. A domestic violence coalition representative also testified in support. Representative Newell moved favorable, Representative Edmondson objected, and the committee reported the bill favorably by a 10-1 vote.
Finally, Representative Baham presented HR 245 condemning political violence in the United States. He cited recent and historical examples of political attacks and argued that violence against public figures and activists is harmful regardless of party. Members voiced support, no one objected, and the resolution was adopted before the committee adjourned, with the chair noting it was the last meeting of the session.