Hello everyone!
To paraphrase one of our founding fathers, nothing is certain except death and taxes. I would like to add one modification to Ben Franklin’s saying—nothing is certain except death, taxes, and change. When change is met with resistance, it will seem painful. However, it is how we deal with changes we encounter that will predict how we will succeed in the future.
The courts are often seen as slow to change, bureaucratic, and maybe even “old school.” But we have proof the courts can adapt quickly if need be. Look at how courts across the nation responded to the pandemic. We went from hardly any remote hearings in our courts to being “Zoomified” in record time. We need to remember this skill set as we face new challenges and opportunities in the coming years. Artificial Intelligence is a very hot topic, and courts nationally and internationally are discussing how this new tool will be used in our justice systems. AI doesn’t need to be scary if we are thoughtful about its uses. If you haven’t checked out NACM’s Courting AI guide, I highly recommend it. There will be a webinar highlighting the guide on November 24 at 3pm ET. I encourage everyone to join if you can.
Speaking of changes, Mary McQueen announced her decision to step down as president of the National Center for State Courts. Mary has been an institution for 20 years. While this feels huge, I know with the partnership with NACM, the goals of NCSC will continue to provide guidance to our state courts.
Our overarching theme for next year’s conferences will be Building Public Trust and Confidence in Our Nation’s Courts. We hope to see you at our midyear conference, which will be held in Atlantic City, New Jersey, February 9–11, 2025. The focus will be on measuring and taking action on public trust and confidence. Please keep an eye out for scholarship opportunities!
As NACM enters its 40-year anniversary next year, we will be taking the opportunity to look back on what changes the organization has gone through and use that information to help us move forward into the future facing any challenges the world may throw at us.
Tina Mattison
Deputy Court Administrator
Pima County Consolidated Justice Courts
Arizona
