NASJE was well-represented at the 6th International Organization for Judicial Training Conference held in Washington, D.C., in November.
The theme of the conference was judicial excellence. Judicial excellence is the foundation of justice systems that are trusted by the public to resolve disputes with fairness, efficiency, and impartiality. The 6th IOJT Conference explored different ways in which judicial education can support, promote, and instill judicial excellence. Under the overall theme of judicial excellence the conference focused on:
- Leadership and Judicial Education
- Judicial Skill Building
- Technology and Judicial Education
- Judicial Education and the Academy
- Judicial Education in Support of Justice System Reform, Independent, and Accountability
Several NASJE members taught sessions at the conference. Maureen Conner, Michigan State University, spoke on Leadership Skills for Judicial Educators. William Brunson, National Judicial College, was on panels discussing Judicial Education as a Social or Institutional Change Agent and Technology in Support of Judicial Education. Christy Tull, Ohio Judicial College presented on Judicial Education Program Evaluation. John Meeks, National Center for State Courts, took part in a panel discussion on Election Law. Joseph Sawyer, National Judicial College, spoke on The Online Judicial Learning Environment.
In addition NASJE members took part in a Knowledge Fair with displays by IOJT member organizations and selected businesses that provide education technology products and services. Members staffed the NASJE booth during the fair, promoting the organization to the international audience.
Special events during the conference were a reception at the United States Supreme Court and a Gala Dinner at the Library of Congress. Historic tours were also available for participants.
The International Organization for Judicial Training (IOJT) was established in 2002 in order to promote the rule of law by supporting the work of judicial education institutions around the world. The mission of the IOJT is realized through international and regional conferences and other exchanges that provide opportunities for judges and judicial educators to discuss strategies for establishing and developing training centers, designing effective curricula, developing faculty capacity, and improving teaching methodology.
The IOJT is a volunteer, non-profit organization and relies upon the efforts and good will of its members. The organization is governed by a General Assembly of its members which meets every 2-3 years during the international conference. There is an elected Board of Governors which consists of an Executive Committee, Regional Deputy Presidents, additional Deputy Presidents and Governors. As of September 2013, the IOJT has 115 member-institutes from 69 countries.
To find out more about IOJT go to www.iojt.org.