Welcome from The Honorable Edward J. Damich, Chief Judge

The United States Court of Federal Claims – the "People’s Court" – traces its roots directly back to the Court of Claims established by Congress in 1855. What began as a mechanism to advise Congress on the merits of claims against the United States became in 1863, at the urging of President Lincoln, a judicial forum for the citizenry against the government.

From the Tucker Act of 1887 to the Federal Courts Improvement Act of 1982, the U.S. Court of Federal Claims has been entrusted with nationwide jurisdiction over money claims (other than in tort) founded on federal statutes, executive regulations, government contracts, and the Constitution. Thus, for example, the Court hears contract disputes and Constitutional claims, actions for patent and copyright infringement, tax refunds, Indian claims, federal contract bid protests, civilian and military pay claims, and vaccine injury claims. The Court has also maintained its authority, unique within the federal judiciary, to advise on claims submitted by Congressional reference.

The Court is composed of 16 judges, nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate for terms of 15 years. The Court’s work is ably assisted by the contributions of its senior judges, as well as by its Special Masters, who hear the vaccine claims.

In fiscal year 2005, the Court disposed of 650 complaints, including 67 bid protests, and 290 petitions, and awarded judgments totaling $586 million on claims totaling $11 billion against the government.