Artificial intelligence, violence against women and the challenges of investigating missing and unidentified persons will be among the issues explored during Concordia University Wisconsin’s Justice Summit 2026 on Wednesday, Oct. 14.
Hosted by Concordia’s Justice & Public Policy program, the free summit will bring together students, justice and public policy professionals, faculty, staff and community members for conversations about challenges facing the American justice system.
The summit, themed “Old Wine in New Bottles: New Challenges Facing the American Justice System,” will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Collaboratorium of the Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise Center on Concordia’s Mequon campus.
“At a time of growing uncertainty and concern about the justice system, Concordia University Wisconsin’s Justice & Public Policy program is bringing together representative perspectives for the 2026 Justice Summit,” said Dr. Ken Harris, associate professor and chair of the Department of Justice & Public Policy. “Our purpose is straightforward: to encourage honest conversation, strengthen mutual understanding and build trust between institutions and the communities they serve.”
EVENT DETAILS
What: Justice Summit 2026
Theme: “Old Wine in New Bottles: New Challenges Facing the American Justice System”
When: Wednesday, Oct. 14, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise Center, Collaboratorium, Concordia University Wisconsin, 12800 N. Lake Shore Drive, Mequon
Cost: Free
Registration required: https://events.hometownticketing.com/boxoffice/cuw/L2VtYmVkL2V2ZW50LzUzNQ==
The summit will feature three panel discussions examining timely issues within the justice system.
The first, “Artificial Intelligence in the Justice System,” will explore topics including constitutional and ethical considerations, investigative benefits, privacy, public trust and accountability, and emerging AI technologies.
A second panel, “Violence Against Women,” will address domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, victim advocacy, prevention, investigation and prosecution, and community collaboration.
The afternoon panel, “Missing and Unidentified Persons,” will examine DNA technology, forensic genealogy, interagency cooperation, national databases, victim identification and cold case investigations.
Panelists will include representatives from the Milwaukee Police Department, Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office and CUW, with additional invited participants from area district attorney offices.
“We want this event to expose our students to the people who actually do this work and to the ideas, challenges and responsibilities that come with serving in the justice system,” Harris said.
The summit will also include a Lunch & Learn featuring Justice & Public Policy graduates discussing career preparation, internships, professional development and leadership. The day will conclude with a conversation about the future of justice leadership and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration.
While the summit is free, registration is required. Click here.
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Concordia University Wisconsin is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world.