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Online Directory | Alumni Association | Class Notes & News | Events |  Spotlights
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Alumni Services | Class of 2007 | Contact Us | Alumni & Giving Home
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Hon. John M. Leventhal '79 Leads Nation's First Felony Domestic Violence Court
Developed in collaboration with the Center for Court Innovation, the Domestic Violence Court has led to a reduction in probation violations, reduced dismissals and improved delivery of services to victims. This innovative court has been cited for its best practices and recognized by jurists and court administrators from across the country and other parts of the world. It has been the model for dozens of domestic violence courts across the state and the country. "It has been fascinating to see it evolve from a pilot project to a model court," said Justice Leventhal. "The intensive judicial intervention and supervision along with a unique partnership with all types of governmental and nongovernmental organizations such as the District Attorney's Office and the defense bar, have resulted in this court's "tremendous success," he said. Justice Leventhal added that his experience with the court has been both intellectually challenging and fascinating. "We were able to write the law where it did not exist. There is never a dull day. When you think you have seen it all, something new occurs the very next day." As a result of the Court's success, Justice Leventhal has traveled extensively all over the United States as well as Israel and Denmark to educate other national and international organizations on issues of domestic violence. He participated in several conferences, including the National Summit on Firearms and Domestic Violence, the Conference of Florida District Court of Appeal Judges, the Domestic Violence Conference of the National College of District Attorneys, and the Danish National Conference of Municipalities on Domestic Violence. Prior to his election to State Supreme Court in 1994, Justice Leventhal was in private practice for a dozen years. Since 2001, he has been given the additional assignment to preside over a guardianship part for alleged incapacitated persons. This assignment requires the supervision of the management of assets, medical malpractice and personal injury awards as well as other economic issues concerning incapacitated individuals. For his commitment to the Domestic Violence Court, Justice Leventhal received a Special Commendation from the U.S. Department of Justice "in recognition of extraordinary contribution to the prevention of violence against women… and for groundbreaking work and leadership on the role of judicial reviews in the supervision and accountability of domestic violence offenders." Justice Leventhal was also a recipient of the Ruth Moscowitz Gender Fairness Award presented by the Second Judicial District. Justice Leventhal has also helped develop a national curriculum on elder abuse and has authored more than a dozen articles relating to criminal and civil law published in such journals as the Berkeley Journal of Criminal Law and the Utah Law Review. He has also written a book entitled Full Order of Protection that has not yet been published.
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