Conference of State Court Administrators
Stored: Conference of State Court Administrators
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Conference of State Court Administrators (COSCA) is a professional association, established in 1955 and incorporated in 1982, comprising state court administrators from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and other U.S. territories, dedicated to advancing judicial administration through leadership, education, and policy initiatives.
Mission
COSCA’s mission is to enhance state court systems by fostering collaboration among court administrators, developing policies and standards, and promoting modern management techniques. It facilitates the exchange of information, supports innovative solutions, and advocates for resources to ensure efficient, equitable, and accessible justice nationwide.
Parent organization
COSCA operates as an independent association without a formal parent organization, though it partners closely with the National Center for State Courts (NCSC), which serves as its secretariat, and collaborates with the Conference of Chief Justices (CCJ).
Legislation
COSCA was not created by specific legislation but was founded in 1955 as the National Conference of Court Administrative Officers, evolving into COSCA by 1967 and incorporating in 1982 under its own bylaws to address court system challenges.
Partners
- National Center for State Courts (NCSC) for secretariat and research support
- Conference of Chief Justices (CCJ) for joint policy efforts
- National Association for Court Management (NACM) for professional development
Number of employees
COSCA does not employ staff directly; it relies on a small volunteer leadership team (e.g., President, Vice President) and NCSC personnel (approximately 100 NCSC staff support COSCA activities), with operations driven by its 50+ members and committees.
Organization structure
COSCA is governed by its membership and elected officers:
Leader
The President of COSCA is Jeff Shorba, Minnesota State Court Administrator, serving a one-year term starting August 2024, following Danielle Fox of Missouri.
Divisions
Key components include:
- Board of Directors for governance
- Policy and Liaison Committee for advocacy
- Court Statistics Committee for data initiatives
- Education Committee for professional development
List of programs
- Court Statistics Project (with NCSC)
- Annual Educational Conference
- Policy Paper Series (e.g., AI Impact, 2024)
Last total enacted budget
COSCA’s budget is not publicly detailed; it’s funded through membership dues, conference fees, and NCSC support, with NCSC’s FY 2024 budget (approximately $20 million) indirectly covering COSCA activities, though no specific figure is isolated.
Staff
COSCA has no dedicated staff; its operations are managed by its member administrators and NCSC employees, including researchers and consultants, who support COSCA’s initiatives like publications and conferences from Williamsburg, VA.
Funding
Since 1955, COSCA has been funded through member dues, event revenues, and NCSC partnerships, with additional grants for specific projects (e.g., Court Statistics), operating without a standalone federal appropriation.
Services provided
COSCA develops policy papers (e.g., 2024 AI paper), hosts an annual conference (e.g., July 27-31, 2025, in Reno, NV), oversees the Court Statistics Project, advocates for court funding, and provides networking and educational resources to improve state judicial administration.
Regulations overseen
COSCA does not create regulations but influences court administration standards through policy recommendations and best practices, aligned with NCSC guidelines, without legal enforcement authority.
Headquarters address
300 Newport Avenue, Williamsburg, VA 23185 (National Center for State Courts)
History
Founded in 1955 as the National Conference of Court Administrative Officers, COSCA became a key player by the 1960s, renaming itself in 1967 to reflect its scope. Incorporated in 1982, it has grown to include all U.S. states and territories, partnering with NCSC since 1971. Milestones include the 2024 Mary C. McQueen Award to Jeff Shorba and ongoing AI policy development.
Related
See Also Links to related programs articles or organizations:
- National Center for State Courts
- Conference of Chief Justices
- National Association for Court Management