Criminal Law Library Blog

Inside the Patrol Car: Where Split Second Decisions Shape Outcomes

David Badertscher — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 05:12:40 +0000

Effective policing often begins long before an officer steps out of the vehicle. As highlighted in this Policing Matters Patrol Week feature, the patrol car serves as a mobile decision-making hub—where information is processed, risks are evaluated, and critical judgments are made in real time. Drawing on the experience of Sgt. John Banner of the White Settlement, Texas Police Department, a 2026 Texas Law Enforcement Achievement Award for Valor recipient, the below information offers a practical and compelling look at how preparation, situational awareness, and disciplined habits shape outcomes in high-pressure encounters.

“The patrol car is more than transportation — it’s where officers process information, weigh risk and make decisions that can shape everything that follows.

In today’s special Policing Matters podcast for Patrol Week, Sgt. John Banner of the White Settlement (Texas) Police Department breaks down how officers assess risk in real time, from managing radio traffic and technology to making pursuit decisions under pressure. Banner was recently selected to receive the 2026 State of Texas Law Enforcement Achievement Award for Valor, recognizing his actions during a call involving an armed suspect with explosive devices — a clear example of the kind of rapid, high-stakes decision-making officers face on patrol.

That same focus on preparation and decision-making is also behind our patrol car checklist, a simple, field-ready guide built to help officers reinforce safer, more consistent habits in and around the vehicle. Download it, share it and keep it handy for your next shift.

See all of our Patrol Week coverage here. Special thanks to our Patrol Week sponsor, Team GJ, for supporting this series.”

FROM: Police1 Roll Call, Sara Calms, Senior Editor, (April 22, 2026).

Digital Afterlife: Why Your Online Accounts Deserve a Place in Your Estate Plan

David Badertscher — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:12:32 +0000

In a digital age where much of our financial, personal, and professional lives exist online, an often overlooked question arises: what happens to those digital assets when we die? In a recent article, “What Happens to Your Online Accounts When You Die—And How to Make Sure Your Family Isn’t Left Scrambling,” Adam H. Douglas, writing for The Epoch Times (April 16, 2026), explores the growing importance of digital estate planning and offers practical steps to ensure loved ones are not left navigating a maze of inaccessible accounts and unresolved obligations.

Read the full article here: What Happens to Your Online Accounts When You Die—And How to Make Sure Your Family Isn’t Left Scrambling

Leadership, Philanthropy, and the Arts: A Personal Perspective

David Badertscher — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 23:21:24 +0000

Recently, I had the distinct honor of being honored at the 2026 NJFO Gala for my service to the New Jersey Festival Orchestra—an organization that has long exemplified the power of music to enrich lives and strengthen community. What began as a commitment to board service evolved into a deeply meaningful journey of stewardship, collaboration, and advocacy for the arts. I am pleased to share the remarks I delivered on this occasion, reflecting on that experience and on the enduring importance of supporting cultural institutions in our communities.

My Remarks:

Good evening,

AI in Criminal Justice: Principles and Practice

David Badertscher — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 19:06:12 +0000

As artificial intelligence rapidly enters the criminal justice system (shaping everything from policing strategies to judicial decision-making) the need for clear guidance has become increasingly urgent. Two recent publications from the Council on Criminal Justice provide a timely and authoritative response:

Principles for the Use of AI in Criminal Justice
https://counciloncj.org/principles-for-the-use-of-ai-in-criminal-justice/
Assessing AI for Criminal Justice: A User Decision Framework
https://counciloncj.org/assessing-ai-for-criminal-justice-a-user-decision-framework/

Selected Case Summaries Published by Justia, Week Ending April 17, 2026

David Badertscher — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 16:06:56 +0000

During the week ending April 17, 2026 we have received listings of 19 Government and Administrative Law Summaries, 18 Constitutional Law summaries, 39 Criminal Law Summaries, 3 Intellectual Property Summaries, 1 White Collar Summary, ,and 3 Medical Malpractice Summaries. We plan is to continue posting opinion summaries, under corresponding areas of law, weekly whenever possible in order to keep blog readers updated. To gain access to these case summaries, click on the corresponding links below:

Opinion Summaries Posted for Week Ending April 17 ,2026

Criminal Law

Selected Law.com Alerts, April 9-14, 2026

David Badertscher — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 16:23:13 +0000

This new series on the Criminal Law Library Blog, Selected Law.com Alerts, curates and organizes notable legal developments drawn from Law.com’s daily alerts, with each post identified by date (e.g., Selected Law.com Alerts, April 14, 2026) and structured by topic for ease of reference. These entries are intended to highlight key issues, trends, and cases of interest to readers. Please note that while summaries and references are provided, access to the full text of articles cited from Law.com requires an active subscription to that service.

ARTIFICAL INTELLIGENCE

NEW JERSEY

Selected Case Summaries Published by Justia, Week Ending April 10, 2026

David Badertscher — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:50:37 +0000

During the week ending April 10, 2026 we have received listings of 20 Government and Administrative Law Summaries, 21 Constitutional Law summaries, 47 Criminal Law Summaries, 5 Intellectual Property Summaries, 2 Copyright Law Summaries 4 White Collar Summaries, ,and 1 Medical Malpractice Summary. We plan is to continue posting opinion summaries, under corresponding areas of law, weekly whenever possible in order to keep blog readers updated. To gain access to these case summaries, click on the corresponding links below:

Opinion Summaries Posted for Week Ending April 10 ,2026

Criminal Law

Tracking Federal Priorities: A Section By Section Overview of President Trump’s FY 2027 Budget

David Badertscher — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 15:58:37 +0000

The White House has released the Budget of the United States Government for Fiscal Year 2027, offering a comprehensive statement of the administration’s fiscal priorities, policy direction, and economic assumptions. While the President’s budget is not binding law (Congress ultimately determines appropriations) it remains one of the most important primary source documents for understanding the trajectory of federal policy.

This post provides an overview of Issues addressed throughout the FY 2027 budget, followed by a discussion of why it matters across several key audiences.

Full Text of the Budget

Selected Case Summaries Published by Justia, Week Ending April 3, 2026

David Badertscher — Sat, 04 Apr 2026 00:51:01 +0000

During the week ending April 3, 2026 we have received listings of 18 Government and Administrative Law Summaries, 34 Constitutional Law summaries, 44 Criminal Law Summaries, 3 Intellectual Property Summaries, 3 White Collar Summaries, , 6 Medical Malpractice Summaries and 1 U.S. Supreme Court Summary. We plan is to continue posting opinion summaries, under corresponding areas of law, weekly whenever possible in order to keep blog readers updated. To gain access to these case summaries, click on the corresponding links below:

Opinion Summaries Posted for Week Ending April 3 ,2026

Criminal Law

Fostering Stability in Aging Iniative

David Badertscher — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:29:36 +0000

The “Fostering Stability in Aging” initiative, led by the ABA Commission on Law and Aging and the Commission on Homelessness and Poverty, is a specialized resource hub and advocacy effort. It aims to prevent homelessness and poverty among older adults by supporting legal professionals with research and tools to enhance access to housing, healthcare, and services….Across the country, older adults are the fastest-growing population facing housing instability and homelessness. Rising housing costs, fixed incomes, health challenges, caregiving burdens and increasing vulnerability to fraud are converging to create a crisis that is both urgent and, too often, unseen.

The American Bar Association Senior Lawyers Division (SLD), in partnership with the ABA Commission on Law and Aging and the ABA Commission on Homelessness and Poverty, is stepping forward with a coordinated, national response:

The Fostering Stability in Aging Initiative is designed to mobilize the legal profession—particularly experienced lawyers – to deliver practical, measurable solutions. It will: