Welcome to the 2024 Annual CCJ/COSCA Conference

Dear fellow Chief Justices and State Court Administrators,

We are so excited to have you join us for the 2024 Annual CCJ/COSCA Conference, August 4-8, in Sunriver, Oregon! Nestled into the high desert, between beautiful mountains, lakes, rivers, and streams, the resort offers a perfect blend of comfort and outdoor adventure. From exploring the Cascade Mountains to recreational activities along the Deschutes River or at the Sunriver Resort, every moment is filled with possibility. Even better, there are amazing places to visit to the north, east, south, and west, so you can come early or stay a few extra days and indulge in Oregon’s other delights!

• Enjoy fresh produce from farms all over Oregon.
  Catch fish or take a guided river raft or float trip on one of Oregon’s gushing rivers.
  Explore Mt. Hood’s Timberline Lodge and many hiking trails (including the 40-mile Timberline Trail around the mountain!).
  Discover quaint cities like Eugene, fondly referred to as Track Town USA.
  Visit the Plan Your Trip page to research options for your Oregon Adventure!
  

Once we are gathered in Sunriver, we will start with the Law and Literature session, which will be hosted by author Russell King and reporter Walden Kirsch. The book, Rajneeshpuram: Inside the Cult of Bhagwan and Its Failed American Utopia, explores the rapid 1980’s rise and fall of the Rajneeshpuram community, located in the tiny town of Antelope, just 90 miles from Sunriver. The story includes pivotal moments in local limited jurisdiction courts, circuit courts, state appellate courts, and federal courts. As well as being a fascinating story with serious legal issues, from land use laws to criminal prosecutions, it is a remarkable journey through the way our justice system can right wrongs and bring stability, but at a pace that might seem slow in the context of life and death, and communities fighting for their future.

If you enjoy the book, you can learn more through an excellent three-part television mini-series called Wild Wild Country.

The educational program is also sure to capture your interest. This year’s theme, navigating the judicial needs of vulnerable people, is focused on how we can provide support and guidance to individuals who face challenges within our legal system. Monday includes sessions on tools to enhance monitoring in guardianship cases, to ensuring vulnerable individuals receive appropriate care and protection. Wednesday will feature a session on what guardianship and conservatorship reform could look like in your state, and a quick dive into the hot topic of Artificial Intelligence.

Between sessions we hope you will enjoy all that the area has to offer! We have some great social activities planned and know you will find a lot to do on your own, too! When packing, please check the weather forecast and remember that we’ll be enjoying a few evenings outside. While days are usually quite warm, with highs in the mid-80’s, nighttime temperatures can fall quickly to as low as 46°F.

We look forward to seeing you and hope you will reach out if you have any questions about what to do when planning your visit to our beautiful state.

All the best, 
Chief Justice Meagan A. Flynn
State Court Administrator Nancy Cozine