Recent News

Over 120 people attended last week's panel presentation: "Scholars and Scoundrels: Media Access to Evidence in the Digital Age." Using a hypothetical case - a metro shooting following the Washington football team's NFC championship game - a panel comprised of members of the bench, bar and media explored what could or should happen with videos of the incident from cell phones, police cameras, and social media.

The 2015 Justice Potter Stewart Award Dinner will be on Thursday, May 7, 2015 at The Organization of American States. Join us as we honor this year's champions of justice. There's still time to nominate your hero. Submit your nominations by 12 noon on February 11, 2015.

The Council for Court Excellence has been fully immersed this winter in its School Jury Education Program where judges, lawyers, and court administrators take part in educating local high school students about the importance of jury service and their role as prospective jurors.

On Thursday January 29, 2015, the Council for Court Excellence will host a panel discussion on the public's access to evidence in the digital age at National Public Radio.

CCE's Jury Project is surveying employers to learn more about their policies regarding employees who have been summoned for jury service. This survey is intended for human resources representatives or others who administer those policies.

At CCE's December Board Meeting last week, attendees were treated to a conversation with Chief Judge Merrick B. Garland of the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit and Chief Judge Richard W. Roberts of the US District Court for the District of Columbia, moderated by Brigida Benitez, President of the DC Bar.

For the third consecutive election cycle, the Council for Court Excellence (CCE) will be a part of the District of Columbia's mayoral transition team.

Last week, DC saw the election of a new mayor, three new council members, and for the first time, an attorney general. These transitions in elected leadership will mean both change and opportunity in all areas, not the least of which is continuing to improve justice for DC residents. For over three decades, the Council for Court Excellence has worked successfully with the DC mayor and council to address critical issues in both civil and criminal justice. We do this through our extensive network of board and committee members, who are able to convene stakeholders and develop policy recommendations that then are translated into law. Here are just a few examples of legislation that CCE was involved in that were passed under different mayoral administrations. Of course, these don't reflect the many studies and reports we've done that have changed non-legislative policies and practices.

The Diane Rehm Show recently featured an hour long segment on jury service, once again demonstrating the timely and important nature of CCE's jury work. Indeed, three of the four guests on the show are members of CCE's Jury Project Committee.

This is an article about CCE's presentation on Notario Fraud to Maryland Circuit Court Judges

Recently, CCE Board Director Ron Jessamy sat down with CSOSA Deputy Director & CCE Executive Member James Berry to discuss Mr. Berry's recent appointment and his history with CCE.

Over 120 people attended the "Hiring People with a Criminal Record" forum on Wednesday, September 17. Moderated by PNC Bank regional President Michael Harreld, the event included remarks by D.C. Chamber of Commerce CEO Harry Wingo and presentations by a number of businesses and experts in the areas of reentry and employment.