| Description: | The Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) is the administrative arm of the Judicial Branch. The AOC provides statewide support services for the courts, including information, technology, personnel, financial, legal, research and purchasing services. In addition, the AOC prepares and administers the court system's over $432 million budget and employs more than 400 people. The director of AOC is appointed by the chief justice, but has independent statutory responsibility for the administration of the court system. The assistant director is also appointed by the chief justice and serves as the administrative assistant to the chief justice. |