Dear Colleagues,

Welcome to the website of the Council of Chief Judges of the State Courts of Appeal. The Council's mission is to provide the states' intermediate appellate courts a body for consultation and education to enhance the administration of justice, the rules and methods of procedure, and the organization, operation, and institutional integrity of those courts and the broader justice system. The Council's mission is advanced through the participation of intermediate appellate court leaders, including past, current, and future Chief Judges.

Since its inception in 1980, the Council has served as a valuable source of assistance for its members and their courts through annual educational conferences and ongoing committee work. In April 2006, the Council began its relationship with the National Center for State Courts, by virtue of which the National Center provides secretariat services concerning the day-to-day operations and governance of the Council, assists the Council's Education Committee in developing and presenting the annual educational conference, and makes a wide array of services available to member courts. That partnership is critical to the Council's ability to provide vitally important services to its members.

The Council's committees serve as the engines of its mission. Three of those committees, Long Range Planning, Administration of Justice, and Finance, met at our recent Annual Conference in Philadelphia. The tasks of those committees include the implementation of seven focused strategic planning initiatives that are designed to preserve the Council's fiscal stability, improve information sharing opportunities for members beyond the annual conference, and leverage the educational resources available through our partnership with the National Center for State Courts.

In addition, our Education, Membership, Newsletter, and Host Committees perform vital services for our members throughout the year. The Education Committee fulfills the primary educational mission of the Council by planning and conducting the education sessions at the Council's Annual Conference. Together with the Host Committee, the Education Committee develops exciting educational and social programs and attracts renowned experts and speakers on issues relating to the administration of justice, rules, and methods of procedure, and the organization and operation of state intermediate appellate courts. The Membership Committee endeavors to attract new chiefs to our organization, including those who have recently become Chief Judges, those who have never been involved with the Council, and to maintain the interest of Chiefs who attend our conference so that they will become active members of the Council. And, through the Newsletter Committee, the Council disseminates the Chief Brief to the membership at least three times per year. The purpose of that newsletter is to inspire, educate, and encourage excellence among Chief Judges.

Through the work of its committees, the Council provides past, current, and future Chief Judges the opportunity to share ideas about different ways to solve common problems, learn about effective programs instituted in other intermediate appellate courts, and examine ways to promote efficiency and fiscal responsibility in our own courts. The Council also has surveyed its member courts regarding their practices and procedures, as well as their judicial salaries and benefits, and has shared the information with all of its members. In addition, Council members have access to a "speech bank" on various subjects of importance to courts, such as judicial independence.

This website will give you an introduction to the work of our committees and the vibrant and burgeoning information exchange that constantly takes place among Council members. Our Members Only section, for example, includes a tool kit for Chief Judges to assist in addressing budget challenges and to identify and implement best practices in performing our courts' work. In addition, our listserv permits members to exchange critical administrative information in "real time."

Relationships established through the Council stimulate conversations all year long among Chief Judges regarding court administration and procedures. Indeed, the Council has become a close group of supportive colleagues who treasure the lasting friendships they have forged and are appreciative of the input they receive from each other. The Council also recognizes the wisdom and sage advice of retired members, many of whom continue to attend the annual conferences. Together, we are able to leverage the knowledge that each of us has to improve the work of all our courts. We invite you to keep learning with us as we embrace the challenges and opportunities of the coming year.


David V. Brewer
President (2009-2010), The Council of Chief Judges of State Courts of Appeal, Chief Judge, Oregon Court of Appeals