Judge Tracy McCooey: Maverick in Problem-Solving Courts and Restorative Justice
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Court Innovation and Problem Solving Courts
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Social and Political Change
Judge Tracy McCooey of Montgomery County, Alabama, never expected to be a judge. Sidelined by multiple sclerosis, she left FBI training and eventually became an unlikely judicial candidate. Judge McCooey didn't wait for restorative justice, problem-solving courts, or other approaches to become popular in her community. She started those programs and THEN sought the funding and support to keep them open. If you want an inspiration break, check out these videos!
Part 1: Tracy McCooey, a circuit court judge and former FBI trainee, talks about her unorthodox path to the bench and her early desire to try new restorative justice programs to make the criminal justice system better.
Part 2: Judge McCooey shares how she started her first restorative justice programs in Montgomery- including victim-offender conferences and joint projects with the local Sheriff.
Part 3: Continuing Tracy McCooey’s discussion on restorative justice programs and the power of personal interaction. The key to her effective programs has been keeping in mind that the court deals with human beings with their own histories.
Part 4: McCooey discusses the judge’s role in transforming lives and the need for action and connection outside the courtroom – including stories from her drug court quilting circle project.
Part 5: Judge McCooey talks about how she started the mental health court program in Montgomery with the support of a former victim and local social work programs.
Part 6: Judge Tracy McCooey shares her views on religion and spirituality in the court as well as her holistic view of justice. She also provides resources for anyone interested in restorative justice.