National Center for State Courts

06/10/2026

Up to 50% of U.S. employees are open to leaving their current employer. Courts are not immune to this trend.

Read our new "Recruitment and Retention Guide for Court Leaders at All Levels" report to explore practical strategies for today’s workforce.

👉 https://www.ncsc.org/resources-courts/building-skilled-workforce-modern-recruitment-retention-strategies

06/10/2026

Congratulations to the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education, recipient of NCSC's 2026 Sandra Day O'Connor Award for the Advancement of Civics Education.

Named in honor of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, the award recognizes outstanding leadership, innovation, and service in helping people better understand the courts, the rule of law, and their role in our democracy.

For decades, the Arizona Bar Foundation has helped make civics education accessible and engaging for students, educators, and communities. Through statewide outreach, classroom visits, mock trial programs, and resources such as LawForKids.org, the Foundation has connected young people with the justice system and brought civic learning to life.

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, efforts to strengthen civic understanding are more important than ever. Whether through a classroom discussion, a mock trial competition, or a visit from legal professionals, civics education helps students connect constitutional principles to the institutions that serve their communities.

We are proud to recognize the Arizona Bar Foundation for carrying forward Justice O'Connor's vision that civic knowledge should be accessible to everyone.

Read the full announcement on our website. https://www.ncsc.org/news/ncsc-names-arizona-bar-foundation-recipient-oconnor-civics-award

The Arizona Bar Foundation is the 2026 winner of NCSC's Sandra Day O'Connor Award for the Advancement of Civics Education for its longstanding commitment to civics education related to the justice system.

06/09/2026

Threats against judges are rising across the country.

As the quote shared here makes clear, courts are facing a level of risk unlike anything seen before—one that reaches the very foundation of the rule of law.

State and local judges face increasing threats, often without the centralized support available at the federal level. Some have been attacked. Others have lost their lives.

At NCSC, we are working at every level to strengthen judicial security—advocating for federal legislation, conducting security assessments, and helping courts build safer, more resilient environments.

Protecting judges and court staff protects the integrity of our justice system. Join us in advancing solutions that support safer courts nationwide.

06/09/2026

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, courts are helping students connect with the principles that shape our system of justice. New Mexico Courts is just one example.

To support civics education and engage the next generation, New Mexico Courts developed Community Action Toolkits for classrooms. These resources help teachers bring core civic concepts to life in ways that are accessible, engaging, and aligned with curriculum standards.

Designed for grades 9–12, the toolkits include:
• Teacher guides with lesson plans and discussion questions
• Short videos with built-in discussion prompts
• Flexible activities for classwork or homework
• Materials available in English and Spanish

The toolkits are easy to use and adaptable, giving educators the flexibility to meet students where they are.

As courts across the country recognize America’s 250th anniversary, efforts like this show how the judiciary can support civic learning and public understanding of the rule of law.

06/08/2026

A criminal record can continue to create barriers long after a case is resolved.

Even when someone has completed their sentence, a record can limit access to employment, housing, and other opportunities that support stability and reentry. Record relief policies like expungement and record sealing are designed to reduce these long-term consequences.

Yet the scale of unmet need is significant. While an estimated 20 to 30 million people in the U.S. may be eligible for record relief, only about 10–20% apply, and even fewer ultimately receive it. That gap reflects real challenges in awareness, process, and access.

Courts are in a strong position to help close that gap. Streamlining record relief processes, expanding automatic record clearing where appropriate, and improving access to legal information and support can make a meaningful difference for individuals and communities.

06/08/2026

What is “agentic AI?”

Unlike traditional AI tools that respond to prompts, agentic AI can independently plan, complete multi-step tasks, and take action with limited human oversight. That shift could significantly impact the future of court operations, legal workflows, and public trust in the justice system.

Potential uses may include:
⚖️ Drafting and revising legal documents
⚖️ Managing workflows and scheduling
⚖️ Automating administrative tasks

But with those opportunities come serious risks. Agentic AI systems can make mistakes, take unintended actions, or create “silent failures” that may not be immediately obvious to users.

As courts begin exploring AI, preparation matters now. Courts should consider:
✔️ Building AI literacy among judges and staff
✔️ Developing governance and use policies
✔️ Establishing human oversight requirements
✔️ Applying risk-based frameworks to AI tools
✔️ Reviewing data security and vendor practices

Courts do not need to adopt agentic AI tomorrow to begin preparing for it today.

06/05/2026

⏰ Only a few more days remain to submit nominations for the 31st annual William H. Rehnquist Award for Judicial Excellence.

This prestigious award honors a state court judge who demonstrates outstanding judicial leadership, integrity, fairness, and a commitment to improving the administration of justice.

We are seeking nominees who:
• Serve in a state court (other than sitting chief justice)
• Demonstrate innovation in court management
• Provide leadership at the state or national level to strengthen the justice system

If you know a judge making a meaningful impact in their court and community, we encourage you to submit a nomination.

🗓️ Deadline: Monday, June 8
➡️ Learn more and submit your nomination today!

We proudly recognize judges, individuals, courts, or organizations that have significantly contributed to improving state courts and the administration of justice.

06/05/2026

Data literacy is quickly becoming an essential skill in today’s courts. But what does a “data-literate workforce” actually mean?

It means court professionals across all roles—not just analysts or IT staff—can understand, interpret, communicate, and use data to support better decision-making and court operations.

As courts continue navigating AI, digital transformation, and rising public expectations, data literacy is becoming a critical part of building future-ready courts.

A data-literate workforce can help courts:
📊 Improve operational decision-making
⚖️ Support transparency and accountability
💡 Identify trends and challenges earlier
🖥️ Use technology and AI tools more effectively

The future of court modernization is not just about technology. It is also about helping people feel confident using information and data in meaningful ways.

06/05/2026

Judicial security is essential to the fair and effective administration of justice.

Judges, court staff, and court users all deserve a safe environment to work in and access the courts.

At NCSC, we help courts strengthen judicial security through risk assessments, security planning support, and practical tools designed for real court environments.

Our work supports courts in identifying vulnerabilities, improving preparedness, and implementing strategies that enhance safety and preserve public trust.

06/04/2026

AI in the courts is moving quickly.

Many judges are still asking the same question: how do we actually use it in day-to-day judicial work? This webinar is designed to help bridge that gap. Join the TRI/NCSC AI Policy Consortium for a practical webinar:

From theory to practice: A judge's hands-on guide to using AI
📅 June 17
🕐 1-2 p.m. ET

This session moves beyond concepts and into real application. Drawing on real-world experiences of sitting judicial officers and a leading AI and law scholar will share practical strategies for using AI in judicial work—safely, responsibly, and effectively.

Attendees will leave with concrete tools they can apply right away, including how to:
• Identify low-risk AI uses in judicial work
• Adjust privacy settings to protect sensitive information
• Use AI to support review of briefs and generate summaries
• Apply a clear framework for evaluating new AI tools

Whether you are just beginning to explore AI or already experimenting with it, this session focuses on the “how,” not just the “what.”