Council for Court Excellence

Throughout March, we’re taking a closer look at what 50 years of wear and tear means for a jail facility — and what it means for those who must continue to live there.

#DCJail #DCPolicy #PublicSafety #DCCouncil #UnhappyBirthdayCDF

In 50 years, nearly every part of our lives has changed; it would be almost unrecognizable to someone from 1976.

But here in D.C. one critical piece of public infrastructure has not: the Central Detention Facility, which opened 50 years ago this month.

We’re grateful to partner with organizations that turn opportunity into action!

D.C. Central Kitchen does more than teach culinary skills — it equips individuals with the life skills, support, and opportunities needed to rebuild and thrive. As a national leader in second chance hiring, their work creates meaningful pathways for returning citizens across our community.

We’re proud to share that Gene Downing, CCE’s Policy & Education Associate and Coalition Manager of the Second Chance Hiring Alliance, served as a judge at the 2026 D.C. Central Kitchen Chili Cook-Off.

Video Conferencing, Web Conferencing, Webinars, Screen Sharing Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise video communications, with an easy, reliable cloud platform for video and audio conferencing, chat, and webinars across mobile, desktop, and room systems. Zoom ...

Watch the full Lunch & Learn recording: us02web.zoom.us/rec/play/IbS...

When systems aren’t accessible, they aren’t equitable. And when they aren’t equitable, they aren’t just.

Social justice requires designing services that work for everyone.

Graphic for World Day of Social Justice reading “Accessibility Is Social Justice.” Below is a bar chart titled “Percentage of Victim Service Agencies’ Website Accessibility” showing low accessibility rates in Ohio, Florida, New Jersey, and Arizona. Ohio: 5% general, 5% vision, 2% cognitive. Florida: 22% general, 19% vision, 12% cognitive. New Jersey: 23% general, 23% vision, 6% cognitive. Arizona: 7% general, 6% vision, 3% cognitive. Footer reads: Data from CCE’s “Barriers for Victims with Disabilities” with Dr. Brittany Hayes (Dec 2025).

On World Day of Social Justice, we’re reflecting on what “access to justice” really means.

Our December Lunch & Learn with Dr. Brittany Hayes showed how often victim services often fall short for people with disabilities, particularly autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities.

CCE's work is grounded in the belief that data, accountability, and evidence-based policy are essential to building a justice system that is fair, effective, and worthy of public trust. Honoring Black history also means commitment to the hard, ongoing work of reform.

From courts and corrections to youth justice and reentry, structural inequities remain deeply embedded in how justice is administered and experienced. [Continued]

Black history is inseparable from the history of our justice system and from the ongoing work to improve it.

This Black History Month, we reflect not only on the individuals who have shaped progress, but on the systems that continue to shape outcomes today. [Continued]

Carjackings are down significantly in DC and across the nation, even in cities that didn't pursue aggressive punishment.

Source: Jeff Asher’s Substack

jasher.substack.com/p/carjacking...

Remembering the Rev. Jesse Jackson. His pivotal role in the civil rights movement paved the way to the criminal justice reforms of the past two decades, and inspired a generation of advocates working to create a more just society.

Join us for an inspiring evening of recognition, community, and support for a more just and equitable legal system. Stay tuned for ticket details and honoree announcements!

We’re excited to announce that the 29th Annual Justice Potter Stewart Award Dinner is coming back on Thursday, May 21, 2026! 🗓️ 🎉 This annual celebration honors outstanding individuals and organizations whose work has made a meaningful impact on the administration of justice in Washington, D.C.

CCE is now accepting applications for two paid fellowships for the '26–27 term. These roles offer recent & soon-to-be law grads a front-row seat to research, policy advocacy, and education work shaping a more just and accountable legal system in D.C. 👇

careers.smartrecruiters.com/CouncilForCo...

We appreciate MORCA’s critical work supporting returning citizens & urge D.C. to strengthen outcomes through dedicated funding, improved transparency, and better data and referral tracking.

CCE is kicking off oversight testimony season by reviewing MORCA's performance before the Committee of Housing chaired by CM Robert White.

New research from CCE and the Second Chance Hiring Alliance outlines how D.C. can strengthen its reentry workforce ecosystem, support local businesses, and expand access to meaningful employment.

Read the full report and explore what D.C. can do next 👉 scha-dc.org/reentryworkf...

The Council of the District of Columbia has published its upcoming hearing schedule and this is your opportunity to participate directly in the oversight process.

View the full hearing schedule here 👉https://lims.dccouncil.gov/Hearings/

Dr. King’s words continue to guide our work. At CCE, we advance equitable justice reform in Washington, D.C. by shaping policies that strengthen accountability, expand access, and center communities most impacted by the justice system.

Today, we honor his legacy through action.

Transparency, context, and accuracy are essential to informed public discourse.

Watch the full clip: www.dcnewsnow.com/news/local-n...

As the DC Inspector General reviews MPD crime statistics, CCE Policy Director Tracy Velázquez underscores an important point: national trends show violent crime declining, and there’s no evidence DC’s data should be any different.

A clip worth revisiting.

In April, during Second Chance Month, leaders gathered for Talent Beyond Barriers to advance second chance hiring in D.C. Here, Lamont Carey shares why employer engagement is critical to creating real pathways back to work.

More programs ≠ more jobs.

Our latest Second Chance Hiring Alliance paper breaks down why D.C.’s reentry system isn’t working as intended — and potential next steps for D.C.

🔗 Read more: scha-dc.org/reentryworkf...

Bench-Bar-Media Program: “Immigration and Justice: The U.S. Legal System Most Americans Never See.” On Tuesday, September 30, 2025, the Council for Court Excellence hosted our 21st Bench-Bar-Media dialogue event, titled “Immigration and Justice: The U.S. Legal System Most Americans Never See.” The e...

His insights underscored why clear, accountable reporting matters now more than ever.

Check out the full recap: www.courtexcellence.org/news-items/b...

At our latest Bench-Bar-Media Dialogue, NY Times immigration reporter Hamed Aleaziz shared the biggest challenge he’s faced covering immigration under the current Administration — navigating fast-moving policies that deeply shape people’s lives.

2025 asked a lot of our justice system. And our community showed up.

By the numbers, the work was big. By the impact, it was even bigger. Thank you to every partner, advocate, volunteer, and supporter who made this possible!

Onward into 2026. 🚀

picture of report cover: The Workforce Solution

Don't forget about SCHA's "The Workforce Solution: D.C. Employer's FAQ for Second Chance Hiring!” This valuable resource will answer your questions about the legal requirements, financial incentives, and protections available to you as an employer looking to second chance hire.

There remain two judicial vacancies in the D.C. Court of Appeals and 11 vacancies in D.C. Superior Court next year. We hope the President nominates and the Senate confirms additional judges swiftly in the new year. Congratulations to Stephen F. Rickard, Elana S. Suttenberg, and John Cuong Truong!