National Association for Presiding Judges and Court Executive Officers

Texas courthouse gun bans reconsidered by state AG

Recent opinions by the attorney general of Texas has officials in charge of courthouses around the state rethinking gun bans. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has written several recent opinions relating to the state’s gun laws. Under a 2003 state law, firearms are prohibited in “the premises of any government court or offices utilized by the court.” But Paxton defines “premises” narrowly, his December 21 opinion made clear, reports WFAA television news in Dallas.

Continue Reading Texas courthouse gun bans reconsidered by state AG

When Must Lawyers Learn Science?

How should judges evaluate lawyers’ alleged mishandling of forensic science evidence when the challenge is brought years after the trial? One recent United States Supreme Court decision grapples with this; and this article contextualizes that holding, analyzes its weaknesses, and suggests some factors for judges to weigh.

Continue Reading When Must Lawyers Learn Science?

Exhibitor Information 2016

FOR 2017 INFORMATION GO HERE. EXHIBIT FEE The exhibit fee for this event is $750. Fee Includes: One 6’ draped table, 2 chairs and standard power. Exhibit area is carpeted. There is no pipe and drape separating each exhibit display. You can use a table top exhibit or pop up for your booth. SIGN UP… Continue Reading Exhibitor Information 2016

What is NAPCO?

The National Association for Presiding Judges and Court Executive Officers (NAPCO) — formerly the National Conference of Metropolitan Courts (NCMC) — is an independent, nonprofit, education and research organization of chief/presiding judges and court executives in state and local trial courts regardless of size or jurisdiction. It is committed to enhancing the effective administration of… Continue Reading What is NAPCO?

NAPCO Conference 2016 to be held in Cleveland

A collaborative partnership between the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) and the National Association for Presiding Judges and Court Executive Officers (NAPCO), will present the First Annual Trial Court Leadership Conference on September 25-28, 2016, in Cleveland, Ohio, at the Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Center. This inaugural conference will bring together presiding judges and court… Continue Reading NAPCO Conference 2016 to be held in Cleveland

Effective Judicial Leadership Needed

It is demoralizing to feel unappreciated, so it is not surprising that many court leaders feel a bit despondent when people don’t care if courts have to do more with less. Some members of the public feel that “courts are no different than the rest of government,” and “we should have less government anyway.” Naturally, those of us who work in the courts interpret tighter funding to really mean that our work is valued less and less. These improvements have not been matched by higher levels in people of trust and confidence in their courts.

Continue Reading Effective Judicial Leadership Needed