National Center for State Courts

06/04/2026

Registration for eCourts 2026 is now open—and momentum is building.

Courts across the country are already securing their spots for this year’s premier court technology conference.

📍 December 7–9 | MGM Grand Las Vegas

eCourts is where court leaders, practitioners, and innovators come together to explore what’s next in court technology, AI, and innovation in the justice system.

If you are working on court modernization, digital transformation, or improving operations, this is where practical ideas turn into action.

What you will gain:
• Real-world strategies to improve court operations
• Insight into emerging technology and AI in courts
• Peer learning with courts facing similar challenges
• Dedicated time to connect, collaborate, and problem-solve

eCourts consistently sells out. Register early to secure your spot.

06/03/2026

Some of the most effective solutions are built with communities, not just for them.

Participatory action research (PAR) brings courts, community organizations, residents, and researchers together to better understand local challenges and develop solutions informed by both data and lived experience.

NCSC recently used this approach to evaluate Albany Works! Community Court in Albany, Georgia. The project helped identify practical, person-centered improvements to strengthen outcomes for participants and build stronger connections between the court and the community.

When communities help shape the questions, courts gain insights they might otherwise miss. The result is stronger partnerships, more effective programs, and better outcomes.

➡️ Learn more about how participatory action research is helping courts and communities work together to solve challenges.

Collaborating with city stakeholders, community partners, and residents to understand community priorities and how the program is experienced in practice.

06/03/2026

Last month, the Oklahoma Supreme Court and the Oklahoma Bar Association marked Law Day and the 50th anniversary of “Ask A Lawyer,” alongside America’s 250th anniversary.

The collaboration included a message from Oklahoma Supreme Court Chief Justice Dustin Rowe, reflecting on what it means for individuals to pursue their own vision of the American Dream within a system of law.

Through the Oklahoma Bar Association’s “Ask A Lawyer” program, hundreds of volunteer attorneys provided free legal information to the public on May 1 via call lines and online submissions, helping residents navigate important civil legal issues.

This is a strong example of courts and bar associations working together to engage the public, expand access to legal information, and strengthen civic understanding during Law Day and America's 250th anniversary.

Watch Chief Justice Rowe’s video message below and see how Oklahoma is connecting the rule of law with everyday life. https://www.facebook.com/reel/2015262939197166

06/02/2026

⏰ 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.

06/02/2026

NCSC recently celebrated our 50th Upstream mapping event in Kane County, Illinois, led by judges Kathryn Karayannis and Sandra Parga, with support from the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts' Court Improvement Program.

To date, Upstream has connected courts, behavioral health systems, child welfare agencies, juvenile probation, schools, and community organizations in Missouri, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Massachusetts, Kentucky, and Illinois to build on a shared commitment to ensure families get the support they need before crisis strikes.

This milestone marks 50 communities that are investing in families before they reach a breaking point.

06/02/2026

Court users are increasingly using AI tools to navigate legal issues.

Court staff play a key role in helping them understand both the value and the limits of these tools. Here are tips for talking to court users about AI.

🤝 Welcome questions about AI
Treat questions as an opportunity to understand how court users are using AI and to provide guidance.

⚖️ Acknowledge AI as a tool with limits
AI can be helpful, but it is only one of many tools and must be used with caution.

🧭 Explain why legal issues require caution
Legal outcomes depend on precise, context-specific information, and AI outputs can be incomplete or inaccurate.

📚 Guide users to trusted resources
Direct court users to official court information, forms, and self-help tools when appropriate.

Clear communication helps build trust and reduce risk. Strong, consistent guidance helps ensure AI is used responsibly while maintaining fairness, accuracy, and public trust.

06/01/2026

Legislative sessions are ending across the country. Do you know which bills could impact your court?

Since 2006, NCSC’s Gavel to Gavel dashboard has tracked state legislation affecting state courts, helping court leaders stay informed on policy developments and emerging trends nationwide.

The interactive tool allows users to explore bills filed or adopted in 2026 by state and topic area using searchable filters and map-based navigation.

This year’s legislative trends include judicial security, judicial selection, and mandatory retirement ages for state court justices.

Now is a great time to see where legislation landed in your state and what it could mean for your court.

👉 Explore the Gavel to Gavel dashboard. https://www.ncsc.org/resources-courts/legislative-updates

06/01/2026

Adult guardianship is a serious legal action that can significantly limit a person’s rights. It is critical for courts and community partners to understand and promote less restrictive alternatives.

Join us June 10 from noon to 1 p.m. ET for a webinar on rightsizing guardianship supports through community mapping.

In Massachusetts, the Administrative Office of the Probate and Family Court and courts in Barnstable and Hampden counties have worked with NCSC to develop a community mapping framework. This work strengthens access to community-based supports and services as an alternative to guardianship.

During this session, participants will learn about the "guideianship" community mapping process, key lessons learned and how prevention-focused, collaborative approaches can better protect autonomy, dignity and individual rights.

Panelists will discuss how courts can serve as conveners to bring together community partners, elevate the voices of adults, increase awareness of alternatives to full guardianship and improve access to supports before court involvement becomes necessary.

06/01/2026

When children enter the child welfare system, reunification is often the goal. Courts help guide that process with care, accountability, and a focus on long-term stability.

Across the country, courts are using family-centered practices, improving timelines, and working closely with community partners to support better outcomes for children and parents.

These efforts matter.
They strengthen families.
They build trust.
They create healthier communities.

At NCSC, we are committed to supporting courts with practical tools and proven strategies to improve family justice.

05/29/2026

Technology is transforming courts.

From AI and predictive analytics to virtual reality, biometrics, robotics, and blockchain-based smart contracts, new tools are reshaping how courts operate and deliver justice. We are committed to helping courts navigate these innovations responsibly.

We provide guidance on best practices, ethical considerations, and practical applications—making sure technology enhances access, fairness, and efficiency without replacing human judgment.

By advancing thoughtful, innovative solutions, we help courts harness technology to better serve the public and strengthen trust in justice.