Issues ranging from judicial security to access to justice are key state court priorities for 2025. These shared concerns and others have been outlined by chief justices in their spring state of the judiciary addresses.
Several key themes emerged from this year’s speeches, reflecting the evolving priorities and challenges facing state courts:
• Judicial security: Several chief justices emphasized growing concerns over judicial security following increased threats to judges and court staff.
• Access to justice and legal representation: Many states are tackling access to justice issues, particularly in rural areas where legal deserts persist.
• Judicial compensation and staffing needs: The need for judicial pay raises and additional staffing remains a pressing issue.
• Mental health and problem-solving courts: Many states are continuing to expand problem-solving courts.
• Technology and modernization: Courts are utilizing technology to enhance efficiency and access to legal services.
In several states, chief justices referenced the National Center for State Court’s 2024 annual public opinion survey that found that nearly two-thirds (63%) of Americans express trust and confidence in America’s state courts, with a growing number of Americans giving state courts a positive “job approval” rating.
In his January address, Georgia Chief Justice Michael P. Boggs, who stepped down from the court in March, credited the improved sentiment to the “remarkable work Georgia judges are doing to honor their oath.”
South Dakota Chief Justice Steven Jensen credited the positive approval rating to the fact that “people actually see the work of the state courts and understand firsthand how the work of the courts positively impacts families, communities, and public safety.”
Maine Chief Justice Valerie Stanfill acknowledged the improvement but maintained that work still needs to be done to combat disinformation, divisiveness, and the perception of bias and partisanship, which erode trust and confidence in the judiciary.
Courts can turn to the NCSC Beyond Civics Education guide for tips on communicating with the public. The everyday strategy features messaging and recommendations that can be used by courts of all shapes and sizes. To download the guide, visit ncsc.org/beyondcivicseducation.
Several key themes emerged from this year’s speeches, reflecting the evolving priorities and challenges facing state courts:
• Judicial security: Several chief justices emphasized growing concerns over judicial security following increased threats to judges and court staff.
• Access to justice and legal representation: Many states are tackling access to justice issues, particularly in rural areas where legal deserts persist.
• Judicial compensation and staffing needs: The need for judicial pay raises and additional staffing remains a pressing issue.
• Mental health and problem-solving courts: Many states are continuing to expand problem-solving courts.
• Technology and modernization: Courts are utilizing technology to enhance efficiency and access to legal services.
In several states, chief justices referenced the National Center for State Court’s 2024 annual public opinion survey that found that nearly two-thirds (63%) of Americans express trust and confidence in America’s state courts, with a growing number of Americans giving state courts a positive “job approval” rating.
In his January address, Georgia Chief Justice Michael P. Boggs, who stepped down from the court in March, credited the improved sentiment to the “remarkable work Georgia judges are doing to honor their oath.”
South Dakota Chief Justice Steven Jensen credited the positive approval rating to the fact that “people actually see the work of the state courts and understand firsthand how the work of the courts positively impacts families, communities, and public safety.”
Maine Chief Justice Valerie Stanfill acknowledged the improvement but maintained that work still needs to be done to combat disinformation, divisiveness, and the perception of bias and partisanship, which erode trust and confidence in the judiciary.
Courts can turn to the NCSC Beyond Civics Education guide for tips on communicating with the public. The everyday strategy features messaging and recommendations that can be used by courts of all shapes and sizes. To download the guide, visit ncsc.org/beyondcivicseducation.
