The National Judicial College

The National Judicial College (NJC) has been educating judges for over 51 years at its modern Reno facility located on the beautiful University of Nevada, Reno Campus as well as at offsite locations throughout the country.  Educational opportunities are also available through a variety of web-based offerings for both new and experienced judges. 

The NJC’s foundational courses are designed to provide new judges with the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to be effective jurists.  For the more experienced judge, the College offers a variety of courses on contemporary issues facing the judiciary.  Recent topics have included co-occurring disorders, complex civil litigation, scientific forensic evidence, ethics, cultural awareness and building a bias-free environment in the courtroom.  The NJC also offers judges the opportunity to hone their skills and abilities through five professional certificate programs.  In addition, a Master’s and Ph.D. degree in Judicial Studies are offered by UNR in collaboration with the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ) and the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR). 

Additionally, the NJC houses the National Tribal Judicial Center (NTJC), the Dividing the Waters Program (education for adjudicating water disputes), and an International Program that provides education services to judges across the globe.  NJC’s interactive programs serve to enhance the ability of the judiciary to administer fair and impartial justice in courtrooms across the country and promote the rule of law around the world. 

Located on the historic campus of the University of Nevada, Reno, the NJC’s state-of-the-art, 90,000 square foot facility houses modern classrooms, a model courtroom recently updated with the latest technology, computer lab, multimedia room, dining facility, and judge’s resource center. All classrooms are equipped with “SMART” classroom technology that integrates computers, responder systems, and audio/visual equipment to enhance the learning experience. 

FAST FACTS 

In 2014, the NJC educated more than 5,000 administrative law, appellate, international, military, state, local, and tribal court judges, with an additional 4,000 judges and other court service professionals participating in 30-50 web events.

Awards more than $500,000 in scholarships annually to support judges attending classes.

More than 40 in-person course offerings per year.

Each year, more than 250 faculty members contribute $1.4M per year in volunteer instruction. 

WELL-EDUCATED JUDGES are the Cornerstone of a FREE and INDEPENDENT Democracy.