Squire Index Updated: State Court Professionalization Changes Slower Than Expected

Setting the Stage

Researchers regularly employ the Squire State Court of Last Resort Professionalization Index to analyze state court systems. A recent update captures changes up through 2019.

Key Findings

• National stability remains high: Most states experienced minimal change in their courts' professionalization metrics since the previous index iteration

• Substantial reforms did impact judicial professionalism in select jurisdictions

• Gradual, state-specific adjustments appear to be the dominant reform pattern across the U.S.

Takeaways for Future Research

The current landscape suggests that sweeping national changes affecting all state courts are unlikely. Instead, incremental updates every 5-10 years would likely capture meaningful shifts in judicial professionalization.