Council for Court Excellence
@ccefordc.bsky.social
At the Council for Court Excellence, we work towards an equitable and accessible legal system in the District of Columbia. Through research, collaboration, advocacy, and public education, we create positive change and increase civic engagement.
Months of waiting inside YSC don’t just delay placements... they shape lives.
Our latest report looks at what these delays really mean for D.C. youth and what needs to change.
🔗 Read the full report: www.courtexcellence.org/news-items/y...
Our latest report looks at what these delays really mean for D.C. youth and what needs to change.
🔗 Read the full report: www.courtexcellence.org/news-items/y...
November 13, 2025 at 7:29 PM
Months of waiting inside YSC don’t just delay placements... they shape lives.
Our latest report looks at what these delays really mean for D.C. youth and what needs to change.
🔗 Read the full report: www.courtexcellence.org/news-items/y...
Our latest report looks at what these delays really mean for D.C. youth and what needs to change.
🔗 Read the full report: www.courtexcellence.org/news-items/y...
Final Call for Volunteers! 🚨 Judges and attorneys—this is your chance to shape the next generation of justice.
Sign up for as many sessions as you are available and make a lasting impact in just a few hours.
Judges: secure.qgiv.com/for/schoolju...
Attorneys: secure.qgiv.com/for/schoolju...
Sign up for as many sessions as you are available and make a lasting impact in just a few hours.
Judges: secure.qgiv.com/for/schoolju...
Attorneys: secure.qgiv.com/for/schoolju...
November 3, 2025 at 8:06 PM
Final Call for Volunteers! 🚨 Judges and attorneys—this is your chance to shape the next generation of justice.
Sign up for as many sessions as you are available and make a lasting impact in just a few hours.
Judges: secure.qgiv.com/for/schoolju...
Attorneys: secure.qgiv.com/for/schoolju...
Sign up for as many sessions as you are available and make a lasting impact in just a few hours.
Judges: secure.qgiv.com/for/schoolju...
Attorneys: secure.qgiv.com/for/schoolju...
Befitting of someone with a Halloween birthday, Open Horizon Fellow Crystal Jones Nieves is a little witchy and loves cozy pastimes. But, most importantly, she's passionate about justice reform and has been a great mentor to our interns—a true asset to CCE!
Happy (spooky!) birthday, Crystal! 🧙♀️
Happy (spooky!) birthday, Crystal! 🧙♀️
October 31, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Befitting of someone with a Halloween birthday, Open Horizon Fellow Crystal Jones Nieves is a little witchy and loves cozy pastimes. But, most importantly, she's passionate about justice reform and has been a great mentor to our interns—a true asset to CCE!
Happy (spooky!) birthday, Crystal! 🧙♀️
Happy (spooky!) birthday, Crystal! 🧙♀️
Judges and attorneys—your community needs you!
Volunteer for SJEP (Dec 8–15) and help D.C. students learn about the importance of jury duty.
Sign up for multiple time slots (you’ll only be assigned to one).
👩⚖️ Judges: secure.qgiv.com/for/schoolju...
⚖️ Attorneys: secure.qgiv.com/for/schoolju...
Volunteer for SJEP (Dec 8–15) and help D.C. students learn about the importance of jury duty.
Sign up for multiple time slots (you’ll only be assigned to one).
👩⚖️ Judges: secure.qgiv.com/for/schoolju...
⚖️ Attorneys: secure.qgiv.com/for/schoolju...
October 27, 2025 at 2:59 PM
Judges and attorneys—your community needs you!
Volunteer for SJEP (Dec 8–15) and help D.C. students learn about the importance of jury duty.
Sign up for multiple time slots (you’ll only be assigned to one).
👩⚖️ Judges: secure.qgiv.com/for/schoolju...
⚖️ Attorneys: secure.qgiv.com/for/schoolju...
Volunteer for SJEP (Dec 8–15) and help D.C. students learn about the importance of jury duty.
Sign up for multiple time slots (you’ll only be assigned to one).
👩⚖️ Judges: secure.qgiv.com/for/schoolju...
⚖️ Attorneys: secure.qgiv.com/for/schoolju...
CCE is fortunate to work with legal organizations that are both brilliant in practice and generous at heart. 💝
Congratulations to the firms and attorneys on CCE's Board of Directors named to D.C. Courts' 2024 Capital Pro Bono Honor List.
https://www.dccourts.gov/about/pro-bono-honor-roll
Congratulations to the firms and attorneys on CCE's Board of Directors named to D.C. Courts' 2024 Capital Pro Bono Honor List.
https://www.dccourts.gov/about/pro-bono-honor-roll
October 24, 2025 at 8:15 PM
CCE is fortunate to work with legal organizations that are both brilliant in practice and generous at heart. 💝
Congratulations to the firms and attorneys on CCE's Board of Directors named to D.C. Courts' 2024 Capital Pro Bono Honor List.
https://www.dccourts.gov/about/pro-bono-honor-roll
Congratulations to the firms and attorneys on CCE's Board of Directors named to D.C. Courts' 2024 Capital Pro Bono Honor List.
https://www.dccourts.gov/about/pro-bono-honor-roll
D.C.-area judges and attorneys — the Student Jury Education Program returns Dec 8–15! 👩⚖️ Join us for a fun, hands-on experience mentoring local teens about the justice system.
Judges sign up here: secure.qgiv.com/for/schoolju...
Attorneys sign up here: secure.qgiv.com/for/schoolju...
Judges sign up here: secure.qgiv.com/for/schoolju...
Attorneys sign up here: secure.qgiv.com/for/schoolju...
October 22, 2025 at 7:46 PM
D.C.-area judges and attorneys — the Student Jury Education Program returns Dec 8–15! 👩⚖️ Join us for a fun, hands-on experience mentoring local teens about the justice system.
Judges sign up here: secure.qgiv.com/for/schoolju...
Attorneys sign up here: secure.qgiv.com/for/schoolju...
Judges sign up here: secure.qgiv.com/for/schoolju...
Attorneys sign up here: secure.qgiv.com/for/schoolju...
D.C. judges & attorneys — join us Dec 8–15 for the Student Jury Education Program! 👩⚖️ Sign up to volunteer:
Judges: secure.qgiv.com/for/schoolju...
Attorneys: secure.qgiv.com/for/schoolju...
Judges: secure.qgiv.com/for/schoolju...
Attorneys: secure.qgiv.com/for/schoolju...
October 22, 2025 at 7:46 PM
D.C. judges & attorneys — join us Dec 8–15 for the Student Jury Education Program! 👩⚖️ Sign up to volunteer:
Judges: secure.qgiv.com/for/schoolju...
Attorneys: secure.qgiv.com/for/schoolju...
Judges: secure.qgiv.com/for/schoolju...
Attorneys: secure.qgiv.com/for/schoolju...
Protect D.C.’s right to fair pretrial justice 🚨 Congress wants to reimpose cash bail through H.R. 5214 — reversing 33 years of progress and harming low-income and Black residents.
Join us in opposing this bill.
Sign by Nov 7 at 2 PM: forms.office.com/Pages/Respon....
Join us in opposing this bill.
Sign by Nov 7 at 2 PM: forms.office.com/Pages/Respon....
October 21, 2025 at 4:28 PM
Protect D.C.’s right to fair pretrial justice 🚨 Congress wants to reimpose cash bail through H.R. 5214 — reversing 33 years of progress and harming low-income and Black residents.
Join us in opposing this bill.
Sign by Nov 7 at 2 PM: forms.office.com/Pages/Respon....
Join us in opposing this bill.
Sign by Nov 7 at 2 PM: forms.office.com/Pages/Respon....
D.C.’s Youth Services Center was meant for short stays — but many youth are now being held for months in unsafe, overcrowded conditions. A system in crisis that urgently needs reform. 👇
Read our new report: www.courtexcellence.org/.../youth-aw...
#YouthJustice #DCRights #CCE
Read our new report: www.courtexcellence.org/.../youth-aw...
#YouthJustice #DCRights #CCE
October 16, 2025 at 2:28 PM
D.C.’s Youth Services Center was meant for short stays — but many youth are now being held for months in unsafe, overcrowded conditions. A system in crisis that urgently needs reform. 👇
Read our new report: www.courtexcellence.org/.../youth-aw...
#YouthJustice #DCRights #CCE
Read our new report: www.courtexcellence.org/.../youth-aw...
#YouthJustice #DCRights #CCE
Today is #WorldMentalHealthDay, an event that recognizes the vital role mental health support systems and programs play in our society. Justice reform is highly intersectional, which is why addressing barriers to mental health supports building a more equitable justice system. (1/3)
October 10, 2025 at 7:50 PM
Today is #WorldMentalHealthDay, an event that recognizes the vital role mental health support systems and programs play in our society. Justice reform is highly intersectional, which is why addressing barriers to mental health supports building a more equitable justice system. (1/3)
🚨 Spring internship apps are open! Join the Council for Court Excellence for hands-on experience in law, policy & justice.
🗓️ Apply by Nov 1 → courtexcellence.org/careers-and-internships
🗓️ Apply by Nov 1 → courtexcellence.org/careers-and-internships
October 6, 2025 at 12:59 PM
🚨 Spring internship apps are open! Join the Council for Court Excellence for hands-on experience in law, policy & justice.
🗓️ Apply by Nov 1 → courtexcellence.org/careers-and-internships
🗓️ Apply by Nov 1 → courtexcellence.org/careers-and-internships
On Sept 30, we brought together law, journalism & advocacy leaders for our Bench-Bar-Media Dialogue on immigration courts—spotlighting accountability & transparency. Grateful to all who joined the discussion!
October 2, 2025 at 9:50 PM
On Sept 30, we brought together law, journalism & advocacy leaders for our Bench-Bar-Media Dialogue on immigration courts—spotlighting accountability & transparency. Grateful to all who joined the discussion!
Learn more about U.S. immigration court operations, proceedings, and challenges.
Tomorrow night, we’re thrilled to present our Bench-Bar-Media Dialogue event, “Immigration and Justice: The U.S. Legal System Most Americans Never See.”
Get tickets here: secure.qgiv.com/for/...
Tomorrow night, we’re thrilled to present our Bench-Bar-Media Dialogue event, “Immigration and Justice: The U.S. Legal System Most Americans Never See.”
Get tickets here: secure.qgiv.com/for/...
September 29, 2025 at 6:39 PM
Learn more about U.S. immigration court operations, proceedings, and challenges.
Tomorrow night, we’re thrilled to present our Bench-Bar-Media Dialogue event, “Immigration and Justice: The U.S. Legal System Most Americans Never See.”
Get tickets here: secure.qgiv.com/for/...
Tomorrow night, we’re thrilled to present our Bench-Bar-Media Dialogue event, “Immigration and Justice: The U.S. Legal System Most Americans Never See.”
Get tickets here: secure.qgiv.com/for/...
📣 Join GWBCC & the Second Chance Hiring Alliance for a convo on second chance hiring.
Learn how inclusive hiring strengthens businesses, expands talent, & builds community.
🗓️ Sept 30 · 3:30 PM ET
📍 Virtual
🔗 Register: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
#SecondChanceHiring #InclusiveWorkforce
Learn how inclusive hiring strengthens businesses, expands talent, & builds community.
🗓️ Sept 30 · 3:30 PM ET
📍 Virtual
🔗 Register: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
#SecondChanceHiring #InclusiveWorkforce
September 26, 2025 at 5:25 PM
📣 Join GWBCC & the Second Chance Hiring Alliance for a convo on second chance hiring.
Learn how inclusive hiring strengthens businesses, expands talent, & builds community.
🗓️ Sept 30 · 3:30 PM ET
📍 Virtual
🔗 Register: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
#SecondChanceHiring #InclusiveWorkforce
Learn how inclusive hiring strengthens businesses, expands talent, & builds community.
🗓️ Sept 30 · 3:30 PM ET
📍 Virtual
🔗 Register: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
#SecondChanceHiring #InclusiveWorkforce
We’ve released 5 fact sheets breaking down the laws shaping D.C.’s legal system. Each one is designed to give you the facts, the context, and the data you need to understand what’s at stake.
Read the full set of fact sheets at www.courtexcellence.org/news-items/2...
Read the full set of fact sheets at www.courtexcellence.org/news-items/2...
September 26, 2025 at 3:48 PM
We’ve released 5 fact sheets breaking down the laws shaping D.C.’s legal system. Each one is designed to give you the facts, the context, and the data you need to understand what’s at stake.
Read the full set of fact sheets at www.courtexcellence.org/news-items/2...
Read the full set of fact sheets at www.courtexcellence.org/news-items/2...
270+ law firms, businesses & advocates joined CCE in urging the Senate to reject bills that would strip D.C. residents of judicial independence & local input.
Read the full letter: www.courtexcellence.org/news-items/j...
#HomeRule #DCStatehood
Read the full letter: www.courtexcellence.org/news-items/j...
#HomeRule #DCStatehood
September 25, 2025 at 3:23 PM
270+ law firms, businesses & advocates joined CCE in urging the Senate to reject bills that would strip D.C. residents of judicial independence & local input.
Read the full letter: www.courtexcellence.org/news-items/j...
#HomeRule #DCStatehood
Read the full letter: www.courtexcellence.org/news-items/j...
#HomeRule #DCStatehood
What happens when we give people a true second chance?
Under D.C.’s IRAA & SLAA laws, those convicted <25 y/o who’ve served 15+ yrs can ask a judge to reconsider their sentence. The results speak for themselves: hundreds released, <3% rearrested, & huge savings vs $44k/year cost of incarceration.
Under D.C.’s IRAA & SLAA laws, those convicted <25 y/o who’ve served 15+ yrs can ask a judge to reconsider their sentence. The results speak for themselves: hundreds released, <3% rearrested, & huge savings vs $44k/year cost of incarceration.
September 23, 2025 at 5:14 PM
What happens when we give people a true second chance?
Under D.C.’s IRAA & SLAA laws, those convicted <25 y/o who’ve served 15+ yrs can ask a judge to reconsider their sentence. The results speak for themselves: hundreds released, <3% rearrested, & huge savings vs $44k/year cost of incarceration.
Under D.C.’s IRAA & SLAA laws, those convicted <25 y/o who’ve served 15+ yrs can ask a judge to reconsider their sentence. The results speak for themselves: hundreds released, <3% rearrested, & huge savings vs $44k/year cost of incarceration.
D.C.’s courts must stay independent. The Council for Court Excellence urges community members, businesses & orgs to sign a letter asking the Senate to reject H.R. 5125 & H.R. 5179.
✅ Org & individual signatories welcome
📅 Deadline: Mon, Sept. 22, 12 noon
✍️ Sign here: docs.google.com/forms/d/1pH3...
✅ Org & individual signatories welcome
📅 Deadline: Mon, Sept. 22, 12 noon
✍️ Sign here: docs.google.com/forms/d/1pH3...
September 20, 2025 at 2:28 PM
D.C.’s courts must stay independent. The Council for Court Excellence urges community members, businesses & orgs to sign a letter asking the Senate to reject H.R. 5125 & H.R. 5179.
✅ Org & individual signatories welcome
📅 Deadline: Mon, Sept. 22, 12 noon
✍️ Sign here: docs.google.com/forms/d/1pH3...
✅ Org & individual signatories welcome
📅 Deadline: Mon, Sept. 22, 12 noon
✍️ Sign here: docs.google.com/forms/d/1pH3...
We’ve shared before about the free downloadable resource from SCHA, “The Workforce Solution." But you’re probably wondering: What’s in it? Who is it for? How can it be used?
We have all your answers! Check out the video, then download the SCHA's second chance hiring FAQ: scha-dc.org/theworkforce...
We have all your answers! Check out the video, then download the SCHA's second chance hiring FAQ: scha-dc.org/theworkforce...
September 19, 2025 at 1:19 AM
We’ve shared before about the free downloadable resource from SCHA, “The Workforce Solution." But you’re probably wondering: What’s in it? Who is it for? How can it be used?
We have all your answers! Check out the video, then download the SCHA's second chance hiring FAQ: scha-dc.org/theworkforce...
We have all your answers! Check out the video, then download the SCHA's second chance hiring FAQ: scha-dc.org/theworkforce...
What makes D.C.’s Youth Rehabilitation Act different from traditional sentencing? ⚖️
👉 Read the full fact sheet to learn how the YRA works, how it compares to other states, and what the research really says: www.courtexcellence.org/news-items/2...
👉 Read the full fact sheet to learn how the YRA works, how it compares to other states, and what the research really says: www.courtexcellence.org/news-items/2...
September 17, 2025 at 5:34 PM
What makes D.C.’s Youth Rehabilitation Act different from traditional sentencing? ⚖️
👉 Read the full fact sheet to learn how the YRA works, how it compares to other states, and what the research really says: www.courtexcellence.org/news-items/2...
👉 Read the full fact sheet to learn how the YRA works, how it compares to other states, and what the research really says: www.courtexcellence.org/news-items/2...
In D.C., children as young as 15 can be prosecuted as adults under Title 16 laws.
✔️ Over 230 youth have been sentenced as adults since 2015
✔️ Nearly 1 in 3 Title 16 prosecutions end without conviction
✔️ Research shows charging kids as adults doesn’t deter crime—and actually increases reoffending
✔️ Over 230 youth have been sentenced as adults since 2015
✔️ Nearly 1 in 3 Title 16 prosecutions end without conviction
✔️ Research shows charging kids as adults doesn’t deter crime—and actually increases reoffending
September 15, 2025 at 2:51 PM
In D.C., children as young as 15 can be prosecuted as adults under Title 16 laws.
✔️ Over 230 youth have been sentenced as adults since 2015
✔️ Nearly 1 in 3 Title 16 prosecutions end without conviction
✔️ Research shows charging kids as adults doesn’t deter crime—and actually increases reoffending
✔️ Over 230 youth have been sentenced as adults since 2015
✔️ Nearly 1 in 3 Title 16 prosecutions end without conviction
✔️ Research shows charging kids as adults doesn’t deter crime—and actually increases reoffending
Over the past 28 years, the Justice Potter Stewart Award has recognized some of the brightest minds and finest justice reform advocates in D.C.
Learn more about past honorees and submit your nominee for the 2026 JPS Awards here. www.courtexcellence....
Learn more about past honorees and submit your nominee for the 2026 JPS Awards here. www.courtexcellence....
September 12, 2025 at 10:14 PM
Over the past 28 years, the Justice Potter Stewart Award has recognized some of the brightest minds and finest justice reform advocates in D.C.
Learn more about past honorees and submit your nominee for the 2026 JPS Awards here. www.courtexcellence....
Learn more about past honorees and submit your nominee for the 2026 JPS Awards here. www.courtexcellence....
D.C.-area employers: Join GWBCC for “Hiring Beyond Barriers: Second Chance Hiring Practices in Today’s Labor Market,” a webinar with guest speakers from the SCHA on second chance hiring benefits for businesses and communities.
Wednesday, September 17, 2025 - 2 PM: us06web.zoom.us/webi...
Wednesday, September 17, 2025 - 2 PM: us06web.zoom.us/webi...
September 12, 2025 at 8:09 PM
D.C.-area employers: Join GWBCC for “Hiring Beyond Barriers: Second Chance Hiring Practices in Today’s Labor Market,” a webinar with guest speakers from the SCHA on second chance hiring benefits for businesses and communities.
Wednesday, September 17, 2025 - 2 PM: us06web.zoom.us/webi...
Wednesday, September 17, 2025 - 2 PM: us06web.zoom.us/webi...
Last week, the SCHA hosted an event convening government agencies, workforce development programs, local businesses, and justice-impacted residents to discuss the urgent need for programs that promote employment opportunities for D.C.'s returning citizens. (1/3)
September 10, 2025 at 6:40 PM
Last week, the SCHA hosted an event convening government agencies, workforce development programs, local businesses, and justice-impacted residents to discuss the urgent need for programs that promote employment opportunities for D.C.'s returning citizens. (1/3)
Lots of birthdays to celebrate as we reach the end of the summer season!
Wishing Misty Thomas Zaleski, Sharon Terrill, and Gene Downing all the best for another trip around the sun (and many more to come!) ☀️ Happy birthday — thank you for everything you do to make CCE the wonderful team it is.
Wishing Misty Thomas Zaleski, Sharon Terrill, and Gene Downing all the best for another trip around the sun (and many more to come!) ☀️ Happy birthday — thank you for everything you do to make CCE the wonderful team it is.
September 9, 2025 at 4:41 PM
Lots of birthdays to celebrate as we reach the end of the summer season!
Wishing Misty Thomas Zaleski, Sharon Terrill, and Gene Downing all the best for another trip around the sun (and many more to come!) ☀️ Happy birthday — thank you for everything you do to make CCE the wonderful team it is.
Wishing Misty Thomas Zaleski, Sharon Terrill, and Gene Downing all the best for another trip around the sun (and many more to come!) ☀️ Happy birthday — thank you for everything you do to make CCE the wonderful team it is.