The Kleps Award celebrates innovative programs developed by California courts—programs that further the goals of the Judicial Council’s strategic plan and that contribute to improving judicial administration.

Courts nominate their own programs, and they are assessed and evaluated by an independent committee whose members are appointed by the Chief Justice.

Each awarded court receives a commemorative plaque presented in a special ceremony held at the court in the spring or fall of 2013. Awardees are profiled in a special AOC publication and website covering a wide array of innovations and featured in a video shown at the award ceremony and at a Judicial Council meeting. 

Kleps Award Criteria

The court programs are judged and scored on five criteria:

• A program must be a project of a California court.
• It must reflect at least one of the six goals of the Judicial Council's strategic plan.
• It must be innovative, meaning that it must create or significantly enhance a concept, goal and/or objective that improves the performance and practices of the court relative to its size, community and available resources.
• It must deliver results, outcomes or other benefits that demonstrate its impact on the courts and the public.
• It must be replicable by other courts.
  

Special Emphasis for the 2012-2013 Award cycle: The Kleps Award Committee wishes to encourage and celebrate efforts in the area of family law, and also court programs that have had demonstrable efficiencies or cost savings. Court programs that meet either criteria will receive special consideration in the 2012-2013 award cycle.