State Justice Institute

The State Justice Institute (SJI) was established by Federal law in 1984 to award grants to improve the quality of justice in state courts, and foster innovative, efficient solutions to common issues faced by all courts. SJI is unique both in its mission and how it seeks to fulfill it. Only SJI has the authority to assist all state courts – criminal, civil, juvenile, family, and appellate – and the mandate to share the success of one state’s innovations with every state court system. SJI is a non-profit corporation governed by an 11-member Board of Directors appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. By law, the President must appoint six state court judges, one state court administrator, and four members of the public (no more than two of whom may be of the same political party). SJI also has a professional staff who oversee operations, to include grant management and other government relations. Per 42 U.S.C. 10704, the Executive Director is responsible for the executive and administrative operations of SJI, and serves at the pleasure of the Board of Directors. The Executive Director is also a non-voting ex officio member of the Board.