The National Judicial College was established in 1964 to further the education of American judges from across the country. It was formed by a collective of experienced judges who sought to enhance the educational experiences of other judges. Their professed mission is education, innovation and advancing justice. It is a mission they have endeavored to meet during each of their many years of existence.
The purpose of the National Judicial College is to inspire judges everywhere toward excellence and the better service of justice. To that end they provide educational programs that judges may attend in order to hone their skills. Completion of these programs improves their productivity and assists judges to advance the rule of law in whatever court over which they preside. On average the National Judicial College provides 95 annual programs. Already the institution has conferred more than 85,000 educational certificates.
The National Judicial College has a main campus at the University of Nevada in Reno. The building was completed in 2001 and as such includes advanced architectural techniques and the latest in technological innovations. The college boasts a model courtroom where students can practice new techniques utilizing the most cutting edge technology available today.
It is not only American judges who attend programs at the Judicial College. Many of the students attend from other countries around the world. Special courses for these judges may be held at the campus in Reno, Nevada or may also be provided at other locations across the globe. Many of these presentations utilize instantaneous translation equipment, providing for equal opportunities for all learners. Most of the programs for international judges involve exploring core judicial skills and other broad topics such as ethics and decision making.
The Judicial College has also inspired the spirit of inclusiveness with Native American tribes. In 2002 the college developed courses of study that focus particularly on the challenges that face those judges who work in the Tribal Courts. Many of these judges must work within tribal policies as well as legal strictures, which complicates their responsibilities. Attending courses at the Judicial College helps tribal judges to maintain peace and balance within their respective communities.
Some students come to the National Judicial College to earn a certificate while others choose to pursue an advanced degree. Certificates may focus on dispute resolution, special court trial skills and administrative law adjudication among others. Students may also earn a Master of Judicial Studies degree or a Ph.D. of Judicial Studies. Any of these rigorous and informative programs can help the judge advance their career and their understanding of the American justice system. It also makes them more effective and efficient jurists, thereby ensuring a better court system for all citizens.
It is the responsibility of the judge in any court of law to ensure that everyone who appears before them receives a fair and impartial hearing. The judge must preserve the integrity of the court by seeing that all necessary legal procedures and rules are followed to the letter. They must utilize their professional discretion to see that justice is served according to Constitutional law and also the laws of their state or other jurisdiction.
Attending a judicial college such as the one that has been established in Reno, Nevada improves America’s court system and the comparable systems in nations around the world. The college is outfitted with the latest technology and a faculty that is highly experienced and specially trained to ensure a complete education process. Judges who have completed a program through the national college will find that their services are in demand in a variety of capacities.