In Support of Promoting Future Ready Courts

Resolution 5: In Support of Promoting Future Ready Courts

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WHEREAS, the National Center for State Courts' Just Horizons: Charting the Future of the Courts initiative,¹ led by a Council consisting of members of the Conference of Chief Justices and Conference of State Court Administrators, trial court leaders, members of the bar and private organizations, and scholars, explored drivers of change in society that could impact the work of courts in the future, developed scenarios of possible futures based on the drivers of change, and identified six key areas of vulnerability to bolster now to ensure a resilient and robust functioning court system as the future unfolds; and

WHEREAS, the six key areas of vulnerability encompass: 1) including a forward-looking, anticipatory capacity in court governance; 2) focusing on user-centered experience and inclusive design; 3) embracing a data-driven mindset; 4) understanding and managing the role of private entities in court work; 5) preparing for emergencies; and 6) cultivating a future-fit court workforce and workplace; and

WHEREAS, the next phase of the Just Horizons initiative, with support from the State Justice Institute, seeks to offer education, resources, tools, and assistance to help build future ready courts; and

WHEREAS, a primary focus of building future ready courts is incorporating a discussion of the key areas of vulnerability into court strategic planning processes to ensure that courts take concrete steps now to enhance their long-term viability; and

WHEREAS, the Conferences have previously adopted resolutions encouraging courts to implement innovative practices related to the key areas of vulnerability such as using diversion programs and alternative procedural mechanisms in high-volume dockets that increase efficiencies and improve the experience of court users,² improving justice system responses to behavioral health issues,^3,4 and ensuring meaningful access to justice for all;⁵ and

WHEREAS, many state and local courts have implemented new ways of doing business, particularly since the pandemic, that serve as examples to address the areas of vulnerability; and

WHEREAS, the Just Horizons report highlights the urgency of building future ready courts and calls for combined efforts at the local, state, and national level to drive change at the speed and scale necessary for courts to thrive in our fast-moving, hyper-connected, and complex world;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Conference of Chief Justices and the Conference of State Court Administrators support the Just Horizons campaign to build future ready courts and encourage all court leaders to read and incorporate the Just Horizons report into their judicial education programs and to participate in future-based strategic planning, education, and engagement activities offered by the National Center for State Courts, professional associations, and other entities focused on planning for the future

Adopted as proposed by the CCJ/COSCA Court Management Committee at the CCJ/COSCA Annual Meeting on August 2, 2023.