For more than 50 years, the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) has shared authoritative knowledge and expertise to address current and emerging issues and trends in state court administration. NCSC’s mission today—promoting the rule of law and improving the administration of justice in state courts and courts around the world—springs logically from its original purpose to gather information and produce innovations to benefit all courts.
As an independent, non-profit organization, NCSC can move swiftly to identify and respond to evolving needs, deploying resources when and where courts need them. Our team of experienced researchers and consultants help courts address issues ranging from access to justice to cybersecurity to racial justice. Resources include webinars, on-site or remote technical assistance, education and training, and direct consulting. Our International Division works in dozens of countries around the world supporting rule of law efforts.
Our work is designed to make a difference. As the only organization that enjoys collaborative relationships with the Conference of Chief Justices, Conference of State Court Administrators and other associations of judicial leaders, NCSC has unique insight into the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing state courts. Join us today in our work to improve the administration of justice.
Vision, Mission & History
Vision Statement
Together, we advance just, free and safe communities.
Mission Statement
We drive innovation and progress in courts and justice systems.
At the First National Conference of the Judiciary, held in Williamsburg, Virginia, in 1971, United States Chief Justice Warren Burger called for the creation of a central resource for the state courts—a “national center for state courts.” The National Center for State Courts began operations that same year at the headquarters of the Federal Judicial Center in Washington, D.C., before moving to its permanent headquarters in Williamsburg in 1978. Initially, the National Center concentrated on helping courts to reduce backlogs and delay. This work included the publication of the groundbreaking Justice Delayed: The Pace of Litigation in Urban Trial Courts in 1978. The National Center also gave judges and court administrators a vital national perspective on court operations through its Court Statistics Project (started in 1978); the work of its Knowledge and Information Service, which handled more than 1,000 requests for court-related information during its first year of operation (1979); and the holdings of its Library, the largest collection of court administration-related materials in the world.
Since its founding in 1971, the organization has played a key role in the development of court administration worldwide. Other important milestones include:
1973—Ed McConnell is appointed first President of NCSC
1974—Publication of the Survey of Judicial Salaries begins
1984—Institute for Court Management (ICM) merges with NCSC
1987—Publication of the Trial Court Performance Standards
1988—First edition of Future Trends in State Courts is published
1990—Larry Sipes begins service as NCSC President
1991—Founding of NCSC’s International Division
1996—Roger Warren begins service as NCSC President
1999—Hosts a National Conference on Public Trust and Confidence in the Judiciary
2004—Mary Campbell McQueen begins service as NCSC President
2008—Launch of Harvard Executive Sessions for State Court Leaders in the 21st Century
2014—Inaugural State of the State Courts public opinion survey
2016—Release of the final report of the Civil Justice Initiative
2020— “Rapid Response Team” provides guidance to courts to counter COVID-19 pandemic
2021— The Wells Fargo Foundation makes largest gift to NCSC in its history– $10 million to support eviction diversion
2024—“Rapid Response Team” provides guidance to courts on Artificial Intelligence