Who We Are
A powerful force for improvement of the judiciary since its inception in 1958, the NCSTJ is the oldest organization of general jurisdiction state trial judges in continuous existence in the nation.
Our Mission
The NCSTJ seeks to improve the administration of justice, promote judicial independence, increase public understanding of the judicial system, provide a national forum to exchange information on common issues, and represent the interest of the nation's general-jurisdiction trial judges in building a stronger, more effective system to resolve disputes.
Diversity
Diversity is a core value of the NCSTJ and is important in achieving our optimum potential as a professional organization. Mutual respect toward differences in age, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, disability, marital status, socioeconomic status, or political affiliation, strengthens the administration of justice and propels the work of the NCSTJ.
Issues of Importance
The NCSTJ focuses resources on timely topics of universal interest to state trial judges; these topics have historically included the following:
- Producing timely, quality judicial education
- Encouraging the highest in judicial ethics and professional conduct
- Establishing effective procedural guidelines for judicial work
- Promoting diversity throughout the legal system
- Improving the process of administration of justice in the courts
- Strengthening the jury system through the ABA Principles for Juries and Jury Trials
- Enhancing the public's understanding and respect for the judicial system
- Improving judiciary use of technology
- Obtaining reasonable compensation, retirement plans, and work conditions for judiciary systems
- Supporting the National Judicial College—originally created as a part of the NCSTJ!