Recent News

In this issue: Defending D.C.'s Home Rule and legal system independence, launching new justice education initiatives, and engaging events on immigration and workforce development

On October 16, 2025, CCE released a report entitled, "Committed Youth Awaiting Placement in the D.C. Youth Services Center," which addresses systemic delays that leave some D.C. justice-impacted youth in extended confinement while awaiting appropriate placement through the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS).

On Tuesday, September 30, 2025, the Council for Court Excellence hosted our 21st Bench-Bar-Media dialogue event, titled “Immigration and Justice: The U.S. Legal System Most Americans Never See.” The event drew an audience eager to understand the realities of the U.S. immigration court system.

Today, CCE released a data snapshot showing the population of the D.C. Jail population rising since the August 2025 law enforcement surge.

On September 25, more than 270 law firms, business leaders, legal advocates, national democracy and rule of law organizations, community nonprofits and individuals joined CCE on a joint letter urging the U.S. Senate to reject two pendning bills that would strip both the independence of the D.C. Attorney General’s office and local input into D.C.’s judicial selection process.

On August 22, 2025 the District Task Force on Jails & Justice (Task Force) issued a statement calling on District government leaders to create a Community Advisory Board (CAB) that would meaningfully involve the community in the future decisions in the process of planning and operating a new jail facility.

CCE issued a statement on August 12, 2025 in response to statements and actions by the President and other federal officials regarding law enforcement, local courts, the criminal legal system, and the youth justice systems in Washington, DC.

In this issue: New report on D.C. jail conditions, a powerful Second Chance Hiring event, FY2026 budget advocacy, new leadership across CCE, and Law Day reflections on judicial independence.

CCE's Board of Directors formally adopted CCE's new 2025-2029 Strategic Plan on June 23, 2025.

CCE, in partnership with the Office of the D.C. Auditor, released "Urgent Need for New D.C. Jail," an audit report that details dangerous and deteriorating conditions at the D.C. Jail between 2023 and 2024. This audit offers the most comprehensive review to date of facility operations, documenting a crisis marked by rising deaths, structural decay, staff shortages, and inadequate medical and behavioral health care. 

CCE issues a statement on Law Day 2025 reaffirming our commitment to and support of the rule of law and to our vision of a Washington, D.C. where individuals, organizations, and government work together to build safe and thriving communities with a trusted legal system that meets the needs of its people, protects their rights, and promotes dignity and justice for all.

In this issue: Welcoming probate reform, new ways to connect with CCE on social media, and an upcoming Second Chance Month event you won’t want to miss!