Day 1 Recap: 3rd National Data Summit

Hosted by the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys and the Deason Center at SMU Dedman School of Law, Day 1 of the 3rd National Data Summit brought together justice leaders, researchers, and technologists to explore how data and technology are transforming the criminal justice system.

Key Sessions and Themes

Welcome Remarks

• Pamela Metzger, Executive Director, Deason Center  
• Kevin Miller, Director, Innovation & Society—Justice Reform Initiative Lead, Microsoft  
• David LaBahn, President, Association of Prosecuting Attorneys  

Keynote Address: Elevating Justice Through Data and Technology

• Hon. John Creuzot, District Attorney, Dallas County  

Innovative Use of Data and Causal Research

Moderated by Dr. Neel Sukhatme
Panelists: Pamela Metzger, Ellyce Lindberg, Dr. Victoria Smiegocki, Dr. Andrew L.B. Davies
Focus: Using randomized controlled trials and data analysis to evaluate prosecutorial decisions and improve outcomes.

Making the Most out of Data Stories

• Branden DuPont, Loyola University Chicago  
• Chanterelle Sung, Queens District Attorney’s Office
  Focus: Crafting compelling narratives and visualizing data to drive decision-making.

Breakout Sessions

Track 1: Increasing Data Literacy Among Attorneys  

• Christopher Handley, Wayne Graham, Bradley Berry  

Track 2: Data Integration Across Justice System Actors  

• Dr. Sema Taheri, Stephen Talpins  

Track 3: Data Storage and Management  

• Robert Beiser, Ellie Coludro  

Affinity Group Breakouts

Prosecutors and Prosecution Teams  

• Preston Schaub, Michael Works, Sara Kurtzberg  

Researchers  

• Dr. Andrew L.B. Davies, Dr. Sema Taheri  

Data Analysts  

• Christopher Beason, Wes Weaver  

Innovative Use of Technology in Prosecutor Decision Making

• Dr. Lauren Gase, Joel Zink, Jared Fishman
  Focus: Tools like case screening tech and research partnerships to enhance transparency and fairness.

Speakers

The summit featured a diverse lineup of speakers who shared their insights and expertise on various aspects of data-driven justice. Highlights included:

• Causal research in prosecution  
• Data storytelling  
• AI and ethics in legal decision-making  
• Cross-agency collaboration  

Afternoon Breakout Sessions

The afternoon breakout sessions provided an opportunity for attendees to dive deeper into real-world applications of data in justice. Topics covered included:

• Data literacy for attorneys  
• Cross-system data integration  
• Smart data storage & management  
• Affinity group discussions on AI, research, and analytics in action  

Conclusion

Day 1 of the 3rd National Data Summit was a resounding success, with meaningful conversations and practical tools for smarter, fairer justice. We look forward to Day 2 and continuing the exploration of data-driven justice.

Stay tuned for more updates and highlights from the summit!

#DataJustice2025 #CriminalJusticeReform #LegalTech #Prosecutors #APADataSummit