Bill Raftery is a senior knowledge and information services analyst with the National Center for States Courts in Williamsburg, Va. His current work includes research on legislative-judicial relations, judicial selection, judicial conduct, and court security. He is the editor of Gavel to Gavel, a weekly review of legislation in all 50 states affecting the courts.

Written by William Raftery

Illustration of a hand releasing a ball into a Newton's-cradle-style row of spheres, symbolizing a repeating cycle; feature art for "Judicial Retirement on the Ballot — Again, and Again, and Again." |

Judicial Retirement on the Ballot — Again, and Again, and Again

Vol. 109 No. 3 (2026) | To Know Courts Is to Love Them?
Justice protection concept. Hands protect by gesture the scales of justice icon. |

States Move to Protect Judges’ Safety

Vol. 108 No. 1 (2024) | Harnessing AI for Justice
Map United States covered in money, bank notes of 100 dollars. | ,

How States Set Judicial Salaries

Vol. 107 No. 1 (2023) | Toward Fairer, Quicker, Cheaper Litigation
Birthday cake with "Happy Birthday" candles | ,

Happy Birthday! Now get out.

Vol. 99 No. 3 (2015) | Fixing Discovery
Judicial Selection Methods |

Trends in Judicial Selection Methods

Vol. 100 No. 1 (2016) | 100 Years of Judicature
Abstract pattern of small black triangular arrow shapes |

Up, Down, All Around

Vol. 100 No. 3 (2016) | Who appointed me god?
Illustration of a cracked gold coin with a dollar sign under a red umbrella, representing COVID-19 economic impact | ,

State Courts Brace for Budget Hit

Vol. 105 No. 1 (2021) | The Courts Held
Illustration of hands holding cash above city buildings with money falling from the sky | ,

Salary by Committee

Vol. 101 No. 1 (2017) | Citizen-centered Courts