NACM Annual Conference

Conference Theme:
For generations, courts have been an integral as well as a vital component of our three branches of government.  Our founding fathers devoted considerable effort and time debating the need for checks and balances.  This resulted in the inherent powers courts have today.  This necessitates that judges and court personnel recognize their duty to hold themselves to the highest standards.  This duty not only extends to our system of government but also in service to our customers – citizens and non-citizens alike.  Society relies on our courts to be impartial, fair and accessible to all those seeking justice in settling their disputes.

The 2020 conferences theme focuses on CONNECTED COURTS.  As an institution, courts are part of the local, state and national community.  As such, courts must be connected to their communities.  This necessitates that courts are part of the conversation on numerous important issues from substance abuse to mental health.  So too must courts be involved on issues of reform all the while working with other branches of government and their communities to ensure access to justice is not just a platitude but is real and achievable.  As a profession of court professionals, NACM promotes the sharing of best practices, innovations, and insights on the management of our courts.

Our 2020 conferences will focus on the following themes:
~ Community Collaborations – community-based initiatives such as legal clinics, amnesty programs, criminal justice forums, community engagement, etc.

~ Civics & Outreach – court involvement in programs such as Law Day and awareness events, civic group presentations, educational programs on the role of the courts, etc.

~ Expanded Public Access – legal assistance, self-help programs, online programs and services, user-centered design of services and facilities, etc.

~ Creative Uses of Technology & Social Media – podcasts, webinars, community and constituent outreach efforts, online and web-based programs, etc.

~ Innovative Uses of Data – new uses of court data through data visualization, public access, collaborative data sharing, National Open Court Data Standards, court component model, etc.

~ Promoting Employee Engagement – training and skills development aimed at creating mindful court staff, developing leaders to be part of their community, ensuring inclusivity and diversity, etc.

~ Community-Based Programs & Services – accountability courts, community-based supervision, access to health and other services, etc.

~ Civil, Juvenile & Criminal Justice Reform – engaging in community and national dialogue on the role of the courts to address systemic issues in access to justice and treatment of different groups who interact with the judicial system.

NACM’s goal is to educate attendees and the greater community of court professionals on best practices aimed at creating public trust and confidence in the courts.  Through innovation and technological improvements, sharing of ideas, strategic partnerships and community engagement, our courts can provide meaningful access to justice.