A December 2024 Gallup poll indicated that only 35 percent of Americans have confidence in the judicial system and courts—a record low. When public trust in the courts is eroding, what is the duty of legal practitioners? This program explores the challenges posed by diminished public confidence and trust in the courts and the resulting strain on the orderly administration of justice, dramatizing scenarios showing how misinformation and disrespect challenge the justice system, and asking how lawyers and judges should respond when faith in institutions is eroding and what ethical boundaries guide those responses. By using the example of relatable, fictional scenes from the “Possum Ridge” courthouse, it gives lawyers and judges a front-row seat to the messy realities of misinformation and declining courtroom respect and shows exactly how these issues can threaten the
justice system. After the performance, a substantive moderated discussion invited robust reflection on the professional responsibilities of lawyers and judges in this environment.
Presented By: The Anthony M. Kennedy American Inn of Court (30048)
Presented: November, 2025
Topic Areas: Legal Practice, Public Relations, Public Trust, Professionalism, Civility, and Ethics
Materials: Script, Articles, Citations of Law, Legal Documents, Fact Pattern, List of Questions, Handouts, PowerPoint Presentation and Video
CLE Approval: Approved
State: California
Hours: 1.0
Quantity is required.
Quantity must be a positive whole number.