Innovative Leadership Skills for Leader-Manager Judges Project

The National Initiatives: Improving Criminal Courts program is funded under both the Edward Byrne Memorial Competitive Grant Program (Byrne Competitive Program). Authorized by the Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2010 (Pub. L. 111-117), the Byrne Competitive Program, among other purposes, provides assistance in improving the functioning of criminal justice systems by helping states and local communities improve the capacity of state, local, and tribal justice systems and provides for national support efforts including training and technical assistance programs strategically targeted to address local needs. The National Initiatives: Improving Criminal Courts program, administered by the Office of Justice Programs' Bureau of Justice Assistance, helps improve criminal justice systems, in particular training for leader judges and improving court communications by providing national programs/efforts, such as training and technical assistance, to address the needs of state, local, and tribal criminal justice systems and communities. The FY 2010 program will focus on funding efforts in two major categories, both of which are national initiatives.

The National Judicial College will use the grant funds to introduce court leaders to management and leadership principles on how to effectively lead the courts, and basic components of management (e.g., human resources, budgeting, information technology, and project management). The goal is to improve communication between court executives and other professionals outside the court system. The National Judicial College will perform research and a needs assessment to identify emerging trial court challenges and to provide successful leadership strategies for addressing those challenges.

CA/NCF