Joint statement on the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence

As the United States commemorates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the Conference of Chief Justices and the Conference of State Court Administrators join in recognizing the enduring principles of liberty, equality, self-government, and the rule of law that have shaped our Nation since 1776.

For 250 years, state courts have played a central role in giving life to those principles by resolving disputes peacefully, protecting individual rights, ensuring equal justice under law, and serving as an independent and impartial branch of government. Every day, courts demonstrate that the rule of law depends not only on the laws themselves, but on institutions that apply them fairly, impartially, and independently.

This anniversary also reminds us that public confidence in the judiciary depends upon public understanding of its role. Courts strengthen trust not only through the fair administration of justice, but also through transparency, accessibility, civic education, and meaningful engagement with the communities they serve.

The semiquincentennial presents an extraordinary opportunity for courts across the country to celebrate our constitutional heritage while helping the public better understand the vital role of the judicial branch in preserving the rule of law and ensuring equal justice for all.

The Conferences encourage state and territorial courts to mark this historic occasion through initiatives that promote civic education, expand public engagement, and foster partnerships with schools, colleges and universities, libraries, museums, bar associations, and civic organizations. They also encourage courts to share educational resources, innovative outreach strategies, and promising practices that strengthen public trust and confidence in the judiciary.

The Conferences further support the work of the CCJ/COSCA Public Engagement, Trust, and Confidence Committee, with assistance from the National Center for State Courts, to identify, collect, and share exemplary court-based civic education and public engagement efforts developed in connection with the Nation's 250th anniversary.

The 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence is more than a commemoration of our past. It is an opportunity to reaffirm our shared commitment to the principles that have guided our Nation for two and a half centuries and to strengthen public understanding of the judiciary's essential role in preserving those principles for generations to come.