National Center for State Courts

The National Center for State Courts (NCSC) is an independent, non-profit organization focused on improving the administration of justice in the United States and around the world. Its efforts are directed by a 27-member board of directors and through the collaborative work with the Conference of Chief Justices, the Conference of State Court Administrators, and other associations of judicial leaders. NCSC was founded in 1971 at the urging of U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice Warren E. Burger. It is based in Williamsburg, Virginia. 
Mission.
The National Center for State Courts promotes the rule of law and improves the administration of justice in state courts and courts around the world.
History and founding.
In March 1971, Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court, Warren E. Burger, called for the creation of a central resource for the state and local courts at the First National Conference of the Judiciary, in Williamsburg, Virginia. During the conference, which was attended by U.S. President Richard M. Nixon, U.S. Attorney General John N. Mitchell, and over 400 members of the legal community, Chief Justice Burger said, "The time has come, and I submit that it is here and now at this Conference, to make the initial decision and bring into being some kind of national clearinghouse or center to serve all the states and to cooperate with all agencies seeking to improve justice at every level." President Nixon supported the creation of this "national clearinghouse or center" during his keynote address by saying, "today I am endorsing the concept of a suggestion...Chief Justice Burger will make...the establishment of a National Center for State Courts." After President Nixon and Chief Justice Burger spoke in favor of a judicial center for state courts, the conference adopted a resolution endorsing the creation of the National Center for State Courts (NCSC). The First National Conference on the Judiciary was featured on the front page of "The New York Times". The conference attracted legal luminaries from across the country. The event was chaired by former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Tom C. Clark. In inflation-adjusted dollars, the event cost nearly $1 million, which was paid for by a grant from the U.S. Law Enforcement Assistance Administration (LEAA). The organization began operations in the headquarters building of the Federal Judicial Center in Washington, D.C. later in 1971. 
In 1973, a special Board of Directors meeting was called to select a permanent site for NCSC's headquarters offices. The Board indicated preferences for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Denver, Colorado, or Williamsburg, Virginia. The final ballots were case between Denver and Williamsburg. Williamsburg received eight of the 12 secret ballots. A motion was carried by voice vote to designate Williamsburg as the permanent location of the headquarters for the National Center for State Courts (NCSC). Justice Paul C. Reardon of Massachusetts acknowledged the crucial factors in favor of Williamsburg were the availability of valuable land at nominal rent, $1 million pledge of support by Virginia Governor A. Linwood Holton, access to facilities of the respected William and Mary Law School at the College of William and Mary, and the proximity of a county courthouse. In effect, the location of NCSC in Williamsburg was to create a judicial administration complex featuring a national research organization, a law school and a working court. In his memoir, Governor Holton wrote, "I recognized that the new National Center for State Courts would be both a valuable economic and intellectual asset, and I was determined to have it located in Virginia ." 
The groundbreaking ceremony for NCSC's headquarters was held of May 8, 1976. The construction and interior decoration were completed on schedule and on budget, and staff of several departments began to move into the new building during the week of January 16, 1978. NCSC's new address at 300 Newport Ave. Williamsburg, Virginia 23185 became effective January 23, 1978. Today, NCSC still occupies this space in Williamsburg and has offices in Arlington, Virginia, Denver, Colorado and Washington, D.C.
In 1984, the Institute for Court Management (ICM) merged with NCSC, thus consolidating resources dedicated to improving the administration of state courts. ICM operates the preeminent professional development program for court administrators and is perhaps best known for its Fellows Program, which has graduated over 1,300 individuals.
Programs and services.
Initially, the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) concentrated on helping state courts to reduce backlogs and delay. Over the years, NCSC's programs and services have grown to include an array of additional services to improve the administration of justice. 
Leadership and governance.
The National Center for State Courts (NCSC) has had four presidents:
The organization is governed by a 27-member Board of Directors.
50th anniversary.
In 2021, the National Center for State Courts commemorated its 50-year legacy of court improvement. On July 25, 2021, NCSC hosted a 50th anniversary event in Williamsburg. NCSC President Mary C. McQueen celebrated NCSC's accomplishments, while looking ahead toward the future. President McQueen and other court leaders ended the ceremony with a flag raising and dedicated of NCSC's Legacy Circle. Located in front of NCSC's Newport Avenue entrance, the circle features three flags - the flag of the United States; the Commonwealth of Virginia; and NCSC. The circle includes commemorative brick pavers that recognize the leadership of each state's court system and NCSC supporters. Each year, NCSC's Annual Report provides a broader understanding of the scope and relevance of the organization's work and commitment to improving the administration of justice and promoting the rule of law in state courts and around the world.