Administration

Administration

Administrative Structure of the Nebraska Judicial Branch

Chief Justice Jeffrey J. Funke
Chief Justice Jeffrey J. Funke is the executive head of the Nebraska courts with general administrative authority over all state courts.
 
The Constitution of the State of Nebraska distributes the judicial power of the state among the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, district, and county courts. In addition to the courts created by the Constitution, the Nebraska judicial system has two other courts – the separate juvenile courts located in Douglas, Lancaster, and Sarpy counties and a statewide Workers’ Compensation Court.
 
 

State Court Administrator

Corey Steel

Corey R. Steel was appointed State Court Administrator on May 2, 2014, to oversee the administrative operations of the statewide Judicial Branch.  The State Court Administrator plans for statewide Judicial Branch needs, budget preparation, develops and promotes statewide administrative practices and procedures, oversees the operation of trial court programs, probation based programs and services, strategic initiatives, and serves as a liaison to other branches of government.

Corey began his Judicial Branch career in May 1998 in Probation.  He worked in many different capacities with probation from drug technician, Intensive Supervision Probation Officer to Juvenile Probation Officer until May of 2000.  His work then took him to Lancaster County as a Juvenile Justice Coordinator where he worked until October 2007.  In October 2007, Corey came back to Probation to fill the newly-created Juvenile Justice Program Specialist position in the Office of Probation Administration, served as Chief Probation Officer for 2 Probation Districts, and rose to the level of Deputy Probation Administrator for Juvenile Justice until appointed State Court Administrator in 2024. 

The Administrative Office of the Courts and Probation

The Administrative Office of the Courts and Probation (AOCP) is located on the first floor of the State Capitol in Room 1211. Through the direction of the State Court Administrator, Corey R. Steel, and the Supreme Court, this office is responsible for directing and coordinating the administrative operations and serves as a central resource for the multitude of operational issues which impact the administration of the courts and probation. The State Court Administrator and staff manage and coordinate liaison activities with the executive and legislative branch officials and agencies. 

 

AOC Vision, Mission, and Core Values

Vision

Be a trusted, collaborative, and respected catalyst for and provider of professional court administrative services.

Adopted March 5, 2015

Mission

Under the direction of the Nebraska Supreme Court, the Administrative Office of the Courts’ mission is to ensure the public has equal access to justice using leadership, education, technology, and administrative services to implement consistent, efficient, and effective court practices.

Adopted January 15, 2015

Core Values

To accomplish our mission and pursue our vision, the Nebraska Administrative Office of the Courts is guided by these core values:

  • Integrity and Professionalism: As staff of the Administrative Office of the Courts, we hold ourselves to high ethical principles of integrity and professionalism. The principles of integrity and professionalism include fairness and impartiality; respect for the judiciary, colleagues and the public; responsiveness to the needs of a diverse population; and commitment to high quality service and faithful discharge of official duties.
  • Innovation and Continuous Improvement: The need for continuous improvement and innovation drives the Administrative Office of the Courts’ efforts to provide resources and services to the courts and court users.  As the public’s expectations for access to justice grow and change, we value innovation in advancing court practices, administrative services, and technology.
  • Accountability: It is incumbent upon the Administrative Office of the Courts to be vigilant in our efforts to uphold and practice high standards of accountability. Accountability entails taking responsibility for complying with legal, policy and ethical rules in the performance of the functions of the Office. The core value of accountability includes good stewardship of public funds and property, effective and efficient use of resources, and open dissemination of disclosable information.
  • Excellence:  The Administrative Office of the Courts is committed to excellence in leadership, administration, and management. Consistent court practices are valued to ensure excellence for all court users. A high value is placed on rigorous and active continuing education, effective personnel recruitment, and development and retention of highly competent and diverse court staff.

Adopted April 2, 2015

Divisions and Offices

All programming is planned in accordance with the Nebraska Judicial Branch Strategic Agenda.

Additional Offices and Functions

  • Clerk of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals is responsible for case management and processing for the appellate courts.
     
  • Reporter of Decisions edits and publishes all Supreme Court and Court of Appeals decisions.
     
  • State Library offers free public access to Nebraska Westlaw cases, experienced library staff and quiet spaces for research on the third floor, south side of the State Capitol in Room 325.