Council for Court Excellence

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Council for Court Excellence We bring people together to conduct research, educate, and advocate to make D.C.’s unique legal systems more just, equitable, and accountable to the community.

CCE was founded in 1982 by leaders in the District’s civic, legal, government, and business sectors in the wake of a comprehensive report by the District of Columbia Court System Study Committee of the DC Bar (Study Committee), chaired by Charles A. Horsky. CCE’s founding president, mobilized leaders to create an organization that would lead the charge in making the District’s court system effective, efficient, and fair for everyone.

Justice takes more than judges. It takes clerks, interpreters, court reporters, security officers, and the many other pr...
10/15/2026

Justice takes more than judges. It takes clerks, interpreters, court reporters, security officers, and the many other professionals who keep our courts running.

In a new op-ed for The DC Line, CCE 's Chair Jelahn Stewart and President Paulette Chapman explain why filling D.C.’s judicial vacancies must be matched with adequate funding for the entire court system.

For residents seeking protection, facing eviction, or navigating a custody case, those resources are essential to having their cases heard fairly and promptly.

Read their call for Congress to fully fund D.C.’s courts: https://thedcline.org/2026/10/14/paulette-chapman-and-jelahn-stewart-congress-filled-dcs-judicial-vacancies-now-it-must-fund-the-courts/

You deserve support. You have options. 💜This Domestic Violence Awareness Month, CCE is sharing our Victims’ Guide as a r...
10/14/2026

You deserve support. You have options. 💜

This Domestic Violence Awareness Month, CCE is sharing our Victims’ Guide as a resource to help people experiencing domestic violence and those who care about them.

The guide offers information about victims’ rights, the D.C. legal system, and available support services to help people explore their options at their own pace.

For yourself or someone you care about, explore the guide at courtexcellence.org/victimsguide.

CCE is accepting applications for two spring internships! Join our team and contribute to District-wide justice reform t...
10/13/2026

CCE is accepting applications for two spring internships! Join our team and contribute to District-wide justice reform through hands-on work in education or policy.

📚 Justice Education Internships: For undergraduate and graduate students passionate about public education and outreach.

📝 Policy Internships: For graduate and law students interested in policymaking, research, and access to justice.

Bring your skills, curiosity, and commitment to systemic change. Know someone who would be a great fit? Share this opportunity with them!

🗓️ Apply by November 1, 2026.
👉 Learn more and apply: courtexcellence.org/careers-and-internships

Missed registration for CCE’s Bench-Bar-Media Dialogue? Join the waitlist!With journalists from NPR and POLITICO alongsi...
10/09/2026

Missed registration for CCE’s Bench-Bar-Media Dialogue? Join the waitlist!

With journalists from NPR and POLITICO alongside two federal judges, this year’s conversation will bring valuable perspectives on the challenges facing our courts and the rule of law.

NPR’s Carrie Johnson will moderate the discussion with Chief Judge James E. “Jeb” Boasberg, Judge Cornelia T.L. Pillard, and POLITICO’s Josh Gerstein.

As attendees’ plans change, spots may become available. Join the waitlist now for a chance to be part of the conversation! ⬇️

https://secure.qgiv.com/for/bench-bar-mediadialogue/event/2026bench-bar-mediadialogue/

Young people’s rights must be protected when the rules affecting their futures change.Yesterday, CCE’s Magdalena Tsionga...
10/08/2026

Young people’s rights must be protected when the rules affecting their futures change.

Yesterday, CCE’s Magdalena Tsiongas testified at the D.C. Council’s public roundtable on DYRS’s new community placement rules. CCE raised concerns that the rules weaken due process protections, restrict eligibility for community placement, and could increase youth incarceration.

Families and advocates with firsthand experience deserve meaningful input in these changes. Their voices are essential to protecting the rights and well-being of D.C.’s youth.

Help D.C. high school students see why jury duty matters. ⚖️The School Jury Education Program is looking for local attor...
10/06/2026

Help D.C. high school students see why jury duty matters. ⚖️

The School Jury Education Program is looking for local attorneys and judges to volunteer December 7–18, 2026. In partnership with Street Law at Georgetown Law, volunteers will help students learn how juries work and the role they play in our justice system.

Volunteer registration is now open! Please sign up for as many times as you’re available using the form for your role:

👨🏻‍💼 Attorneys: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/schooljuryeducationprojectsjep/event/sjep2026attorneys/

👩🏽‍⚖️ Judges: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/schooljuryeducationprojectsjep/event/sjep2026judges/

On , we remember that getting a case right matters just as much as moving it quickly.A fair justice system requires the...
10/02/2026

On , we remember that getting a case right matters just as much as moving it quickly.

A fair justice system requires the capacity to carefully consider evidence, protect due process, provide meaningful representation and correct mistakes when they occur.

That’s another reason adequate court resources matter. As D.C.’s courts face growing caseloads, judges and the people who support them need the time, staff and tools necessary to administer justice fairly and effectively.

Justice delayed has real consequences. So does justice rushed.

Mid-Atlantic Innocence Project

We’re not surprised that this year’s Bench-Bar-Media Dialogue is already at capacity... just take a look at this incredi...
10/01/2026

We’re not surprised that this year’s Bench-Bar-Media Dialogue is already at capacity... just take a look at this incredible lineup! ⬇️

NPR’s Carrie Johnson will moderate a conversation with Chief Judge James E. “Jeb” Boasberg, Judge Cornelia T.L. Pillard, and POLITICO's Josh Gerstein on the challenges facing the federal courts and the rule of law. This will be a rare opportunity to hear directly from two federal judges and two leading journalists as they explore the challenges facing our courts and the rule of law.

Registration filled up quickly, but there's still time to join the waitlist: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/bench-bar-mediadialogue/event/2026bench-bar-mediadialogue/

D.C.’s courts need the resources to do their jobs. 🚨From growing caseloads and case backlogs to the staff, security and ...
09/28/2026

D.C.’s courts need the resources to do their jobs. 🚨

From growing caseloads and case backlogs to the staff, security and technology required to keep our courts functioning, the consequences of underfunding reach far beyond the courthouse.

Here’s a roundup of recent coverage explaining what’s happening — and what’s at stake for the people who rely on our courts.

The Washington Post 🗞️ D.C. courts are at their breaking point https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2026/08/06/dc-courts-lack-funding-congress/

The Washington Sun 🗞️ Lobbying is intensifying around what many say is a growing crisis in D.C.’s courts
https://www.washingtonsun.com/metro-newsletter/bench-pressed

ABC7 🗞️ DC Courts leader warns proposed budget cuts could deepen case backlog
https://wjla.com/news/local/dc-courts-leader-warns-proposed-budget-cuts-could-deepen-case-backlog

The Hill 🗞️ DC Courts pleads with Congress for funding as system reaches tipping point
https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/6098874-dc-courts-funding-crisis-caseload/

Who deserves to be recognized as a champion for justice in Washington, D.C.? ⬇️CCE is accepting nominations for the 2027...
09/24/2026

Who deserves to be recognized as a champion for justice in Washington, D.C.? ⬇️

CCE is accepting nominations for the 2027 Justice Potter Stewart Award, presented annually to an individual or institution whose exemplary work has made a meaningful contribution to improving the District’s justice system.

Help us recognize those working to advance justice and strengthen our community.

Nominations close this Friday, September 25! Learn more and submit a nomination: https://www.courtexcellence.org/justice-potter-stewart-award

Address

999 E Street NW
Washington D.C., DC
20004

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Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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+12027855917

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