Domestic Violence

Since its inception in 1991, the Institute of Public Law's Judicial Education Center (JEC) has been committed to training state and tribal judiciaries on the complexities and importance of handling civil and criminal domestic violence cases appropriately. The judicial system has recognized how many such cases appear in the courts, the severe damage inflicted by domestic violence upon victims and their children, and the value of prompt and effective judicial intervention after domestic violence has been persuasively alleged or proved. With special funding from a variety of federal and foundation sources, JEC has presented seminars, published a benchbook, and developed several innovative online resources to prepare judges and court staff for the special challenged posed by these cases.

Domestic Violence Projects

Domestic Violence Benchbook
This resource manual for judges covers all civil and criminal aspects of domestic violence cases, including the dynamics of domestic violence, orders of protection, crimes, evidence and sentencing.
Visit the Domestic Violence Benchbook Website
Domestic Violence Interactive Trial
Developed for the general and limited jurisdiction courts of New Mexico, this virtual trial poses challenging legal, evidentiary and procedural problems that arise from domestic violence cases. The trial consists of short videos depicting attorneys in simulated courtroom proceedings. Participants rule on each issue, after which the hearing proceeds to its conclusion.
Visit the Domestic Violence Interactive Trial Website
Domestic Violence Training
The Judicial Education Center (JEC) conducts an annual seminar for domestic violence commissioners, and incorporates domestic violence training in most of its annual conferences. JEC has provided regional seminars throughout New Mexico on domestic violence prevention and case management.
Domestic Violence Web Course
This eight-week online course covers legal and procedural topics that arise in domestic violence cases through the use of videos, readings and exercises.
Visit the Domestic Violence Web Course Website