This week, The Pocket Part presents the first of two issues on recent developments in state courts and legislatures. In this installment, we are honored to present Commentaries by two influential state jurists: Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard of the Indiana Supreme Court and Chief Justice Margaret H. Marshall of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court.

Chief Justice Shepherd's Commentary discusses the leading role played by state courts in reforming the "crown jewel of America's legal system": the institution of the jury. Chief Justice Marshall's Commentary discusses recent administrative reforms aimed at delivering justice to litigants "promptly, and without delay," as mandated by the Massachusetts Constitution.

The Pocket Part is also proud to introduce an exciting new feature: The Yale Law Journal Podcast. In our first segment, Chief Justices Shepard and Marshall discuss emerging issues in state courts, as well as the academy's influence on state court decision-making. In addition, you will find links to audio Podcasts of the Justices' Commentaries at the end of each piece. The Podcasts are in mp3 format for listening online or downloading to portable audio players.