December
Tax, Personal Information Safeguards in Place - December 28, 2006
Federal bankruptcy courts are protecting the privacy of tax information filed by debtors seeking financial protection. Details.
Danger is Part of the Job for Some Judiciary Employees - December 22
Tom Gahl is a name recognized by most federal probation and pretrial services officers, and how he died is a reminder of the inherent dangers in their work. Details.
Judge Was Eyewitness To Two Worst Attacks in U.S. - December 22
A U.S. bankruptcy judge from Oklahoma City was an eyewitness to history's two deadliest terrorist attacks in the United States. Details.
New Disclosure Requirements For Some Educational Programs - December 19
As of January 2, 2007, many non-government providers of educational programs attended by federal judges must publicly disclose certain information about their programs and their sources of funding. Details.
Accessibility A Key To Federal Courtrooms - December 19
A renewed effort to make federal courtrooms accessible to all members of the public attracts people to a courtroom mock-up. Video (2:55).
Justice for All Act
Fact Sheet Posted - December 12
A four-page fact sheet that describes the Justice for All Act has been provided by the Department of Justice's Office for Victims of Crime. Details.
Fees About to Change In Appellate, Bankruptcy Courts - December 12
As on January 1, 2007, there will be revised fee schedules for the federal Courts of Appeals and Bankruptcy Courts.
Appellate Fees (pdf)
Bankruptcy Fees (pdf)
New Bankruptcy Law: "Unprecedented Challenge" for Courts - December 6
Implementing a bankruptcy law that took effect last October 17 "presented the federal judiciary with an unprecedented challenge," the judiciary's policy-making entity has told a Senate subcommittee. Statement (pdf).
Bankruptcy Filings Decline in FY 2006 - December 5
Bankruptcy cases filed in federal courts tumbled in fiscal year 2006, to 1.1 million cases. That's a 37.6 percent decrease from the 1.7 million cases filed in FY 2005. Details.
Polls: What Americans Think of Their Courts - December 4
A majority of Americans think elected officials should not have more control over federal judges and the decisions they make in court cases. Details.
Courtroom Use Study To Collect Array of Data - December 4
At Congress' request, the federal judiciary will document how often courtrooms are in use in more than 500 buildings nationwide. Details.
November
Litigation Landslide - November 28, 2006
Some 6,000 cases with claims arising out of, resulting from, or relating to the terrorist
attacks of September 11, 2001, are expected to be filed in a federal court in New York. Details.
New Federal Court Rules Take Effect December 1 - November 28
Amendments to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure 16, 26, 33, 34, and 45 likely will take effect on December 1. All the changes involve discovery of electronically stored information. Details.
Paying Court Fees Online Grows in Popularity - November 28
Lawyers who practice in a growing number of federal trial courts are enjoying the option of paying various court fees by credit card online. Details.
Federal Courts Forced to Look to Contain Costs - November 28
Federal courts' workloads consistently outpace staffing, posing special challenges for the Judiciary's core responsibility of administering justice fairly and impartially. Details.
"Understanding The Federal Courts" Introduces You to Judicial System - November 20
An online publication discusses the federal court system – its organization, administration, and relationship to the executive and legislative branches of the federal government. Details.
Federal Court Proceedings Feature Many Languages - November 14
A total of 117 languages required interpretation in federal court proceedings in fiscal year 2006. Details.
Available Online: Nearly 600 Images
of Historic Federal Courthouses - November 13
Information and photographs of nearly 600 historic buildings used as federal courthouses, arranged by state, can now be found online. Details.
New Disclosure Policy: FAQs for Program Providers - November 2
A new federal judiciary policy takes effect January 1. It requires the providers of educational programs attended by federal judges to disclose financial and programmatic information on this web site. Statement of Purpose.
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October
Fair and Impartial Judiciary Highlighted at Seminar - October 25, 2006
Nationally recognized leaders in law, government, business, journalism, academia, and the nonprofit sector discuss the independence of the nation's courts. Details. Video (4:01).
New AO Deputy Director Picked by Chief Justice - October 25
Chief Justice John Roberts has named Jill Sayenga as the new deputy director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. Currently circuit executive for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, Sayenga will join AO Director James Duff, who began his tenure in July. News Release (pdf).
Judiciary Employees Take Class Online - October 24
A growing number of federal court system employees are learning online, taking Judiciary Online University (JOU) classes. Details.
Policy on Judges' Attendance at Privately Funded Seminars - October 18
A statement of purpose for a new Judicial Conference policy on judges' attendance at privately funded seminars has been posted. Statement.
Class Action Fairness Act
Spurred Hike in Federal Cases - October 17
Federal courts have experienced a "substantial increase" in the number of class action cases since the Class Action Fairness Act of 2005 was enacted, a study shows. Details.
Poll: Judiciary is Most Trusted Branch of Federal Government - October 10
A recent survey indicates that Americans "consistently rank the Supreme Court as the most trusted branch of government." But the number of people who say they trust the Supreme Court a great deal or a fair amount dropped from 75 percent in a 2005 poll to 64 percent in one taken in September 2006. Details (pdf).
Judicial Independence Praised by Chief Justice - October 3
Chief Justice John Roberts warned of attacks against judicial independence, citing a threat to the rule of law. Details. Transcript (pdf).
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September
GAO: Judicial Pay Not Keeping Pace - September 29
A recent Government Accounting Office report says pay rates for federal judges, when adjusted for inflation, declined from 1970 to 2006. Details.
Bankruptcy Filings Creeping Up Slowly - September 29
Total monthly bankruptcy filings in federal courts are creeping up slowly after a sharp drop when a new law took effect. Details.
New Report Issued on Bail Reform Act - September 29
The Bail Reform Act of 1984 authorizes and sets forth procedures for judicial orders for the release or detention of arrested people pending trial, sentencing, or appeal. A new monograph details amendments and case law up to October 30, 2005.
Magistrate Judge Gives Gift of Life - September 26
U.S. Magistrate Judge J. Gregory Wehrman of Kentucky donated his left kidney to a federal prosecutor. Details.
Compensation Woes Hamper Federal Judiciary - September 20
Salary erosion threatens the recruiting and retaining of federal judges and Judiciary employees, a Judicial Conference representative has told Congress. News release. Video (3:04).
Handling of Complaints Against Judges Generally Good but Can Be Improved - September 20
A committee chaired by Supreme Court Justice Stephen G. Breyer reports that the judiciary does well overall in handling complaints against judges, but that improvement is needed in some highly visible cases. Report (pdf).
Conference Moves to Enhance Judges' Accountability, Ethical Compliance - September 19
The Judicial Conference of the United States today approved two policies aimed at aiding and enhancing judges' compliance with established ethical obligations. News Release.
Constitution Day - September 14
Constitution Day officially is September 18 this year, marking the 219th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution. Resources.
Long-Term Impact of Bankruptcy Law Unclear - September 8
The long-term impact of a new bankruptcy law remains uncertain but could require a 10 percent increase in staff for federal bankruptcy courts, Congress has been told. Details.
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August
Senior Judges Helping Federal Courts - August 31
In the federal courts, senior judges are the essential volunteers. Details.
Use of Videoconferencing Grows in Federal Courts - August 31
A recent report shows federal appellate judges increasingly are turning to videoconferencing technology. Details.
Bankruptcy Filings Fall 9.3 Percent - August 28
Bankruptcy filings fell 9.3 percent during the 12-month period ending June 30, 2006. Details.
Communications Disabilities Accommodated by Courts - August 22
Sign language interpreters and assistive listening devices are provided by federal courts for people with communications disabilities. Details.
Appeals Court's Web Site
Features RSS, Audio Recordings - August 22
One federal appellate court makes RSS feeds of opinions and audio recordings of oral arguments available from its web site. Details.
Chief Justice Roberts Names New Top Aide - August 14
Chief Justice John Roberts has named Jeffrey Minear, senior litigation counsel and assistant to the solicitor general, as his new administrative assistant. Details.
Bankruptcy Administrators Serve Courts in Two States - August 8
Bankruptcy administrator offices in the six judicial districts of Alabama and North Carolina oversee the administration of bankruptcy cases and perform other duties. The program was established by Congress in 1986. Details.
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July
Federal Court Proceedings Feature Many Languages - July 31
Although the overwhelming majority – 94 percent – of the 227,461 language-interpreting events that occurred in federal courts last fiscal year were in Spanish, a total of 111 languages required interpretation. Details.
Judge Wesley E. Brown On the Bench at Age 99 - July 26
Not every federal judge receives birthday wishes from the President and the Chief Justice of the United States. But Judge Brown is, well, extraordinary. Details. Video (4:59).
Inspector General Proposed for Judiciary - July 26
A House bill would establish an inspector general within the judicial branch. Details.
Mediation Top ADR Form In Federal Trial Courts - July 26
Mediation is the most popular form of alternative dispute resolution in the federal district courts. Details.
Sentencing Commission Report and Statistics Online - July 13
The U.S. Sentencing Commission's 2005 Annual Report presents an overview of major Commission activities and accomplishments. The 2005 Sourcebook of Federal Sentencing Statistics has national sentencing data and more.
New Deputy Director Sought for Administrative Office - July 12
The Chief Justice has announced a search for a deputy director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts to assist Director James C. Duff, who began his tenure July 3. Details (pdf).
'Ethics Essentials' for New Judges - July 10
A new publication is entitled "Ethics Essentials, a Primer for New Judges on Conflicts, Outside Activities, and other Potential Pitfalls." It emphasizes the importance of understanding and observing ethics standards. Details.
Copyright Law, Videoconferencing Subjects of New Publications - July 6
The Federal Judicial Center's recent publications include an overview of copyright from its common-law origins and a report describing the ways courts of appeals use videoconferencing. Details.
New Probation, Pretrial Services Information Pages Posted - July 6
Just in time for "Probation, Parole & Community Supervision Week," designated by the American Probation and Parole Association to begin July 16, new information about federal probation and pretrial services is available.
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June
Congress' Help Sought For Complex Cases - June 29
The federal judiciary wants Congress' help to improve the handling of complex civil cases in which multiple trial courts confront the same questions of fact. Details. Testimony (pdf).
Immigration-Related Criminal Cases
Flooding Southwest Border Courts - June 23
Federal courts along the southwest border are in crisis mode, contending with criminal caseloads that have skyrocketed since the late 1990s. Details. Video (10:52).
New Hurricane Season Has Federal Courts Preparing - June 23
After Hurricane Katrina and other 2005 storms, preparation is a byword for federal courts throughout the gulf states. Details.
Court Clerk's Office Leaving Longtime Home - June 20
The clerk's office of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit will cease operations at the John Minor Wisdom U.S. Court of Appeals Building in New Orleans on June 21. Its new home will be the F. Edward Herbert Federal Building in that city. Details (pdf).
FY 2006 Update Posted For Long Range IT Plan - June 19
The fiscal year 2006 update to the Long Range Plan for Information Technology in the Federal Judiciary articulates five-year directions and objectives for the judiciary's information technology program.
Court Marks Law Day By Hosting 700 Students - June 8
The U.S. district court in Los Angeles marked Law Day last month by conducting mock trials with some 700 students from 11 high schools as participants. Details.
Costs of Incarceration and Supervised Release - June 8
In fiscal year 2005, it cost up to $23,431.92 to keep a federal inmate incarcerated and $3,450 for a federal offender to be released under the supervision of a probation officer. Details.
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May
Courts' Compliance Record With E-Government Act - May 31
The judiciary has told Congress that each of the nearly 200 federal courts have web sites and the vast majority of those sites satisfy or exceed all current requirements of the E-Government Act of 2002. Details.
Courthouse 'Learning Center' Opened in St. Louis - May 31
Visitors to the Thomas F. Eagleton U.S.Courthouse have a hands-on opportunity to discover much about the federal court system at a new Judicial Learning Center. Details.
12-Month Bankruptcy Filings Reach Nearly 1.8 Million - May 26
The number of federal bankruptcy cases for the 12 months ending March 31, 2006, reached 1,794,795. But filings for the last three months ending on that date were just 116,771, the lowest of any three-month total since 1985. Details.
Justice O'Connor Speaks Out - May 24
Retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, in an interview, discusses judicial independence, inter-branch relations, and more. Details.
Workforce Development Aims to Cut Recidivism - May 24
Federal probation offices across the country work to help ex-offenders turn their lives around by preparing them to join the workforce, and to attract employers willing to give them that opportunity. Details.
Telephonic Appearance Services Go Nationwide - May 24
Significant savings of time and money can be achieved in some non-evidentiary federal court proceedings if an appearance is, literally, phoned in. Details.
New Help Available to Contact Federal Courts - May 9
Contacting the nearest federal court, or the federal court you need, is easier than it used to be. You now can search for the right court, or court office, by city, zip code, area code, and more.
Law Day Celebrated Throughout May - May 9
There is a wide array of activities and resources available to commemorate Law Day. Details.
Questions on Federal Jury Service Find them here - May 2
A new section all about jury service in federal courts explains, among other things, the process of selecting jurors and the qualifications one must have to become a juror.
Authorized Wiretap Intercepts Up By 4 Percent in 2005 - May 1
The number of orders authorizing or approving the interception of wire, oral, or electronic communications by federal and state courts increased 4 percent in 2005, for a total of 1,773 applications. Details.
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April
Senate Panel Approves
Rent Relief for Courts - April 28
The Senate Judiciary Committee on April 27 approved a bill that would "provide relief for the Federal Judiciary from excessive rent charges." Details.
Historical Caseload Data Updated to Include FY 2005 - April 27
A set of statistical tables that includes data on appellate, district and bankruptcy courts going back to 1988 and beyond has been updated with statistics for fiscal year 2005. Details.
Judge J. Clifford Wallace Wins Distinguished Service Award - April 26
J. Clifford Wallace, a senior judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, is the newest recipient of the Edward J. Devitt Distinguished Service to Justice Award. Details.
Duff Named New AO Director - April 20
Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr. has named James C. Duff to serve as the new Director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. Duff succeeds Director Leonidas Ralph Mecham, who will retire after 20 years of service. Details (pdf).
New Filing Fees For Federal Courts - April 7
Effective April 9, 2006, fees charged for services provided by federal courts are to change. The filing fee for a civil case in U.S. district courts will be $350. Various fees in appellate courts and bankruptcy courts also will change. Appellate fees (pdf). Bankruptcy fees (pdf).
Judiciary Seeks Funding To Maintain Course - April 5
The federal courts are asking Congress to provide a fiscal year 2007 appropriations sufficient to build on the gains achieved in FY 2006, or risk creating the funding problems of past years. Details. Video.
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March
Bankruptcy Filings Hit Record High in 2005 - March 24
Bankruptcies filed in calendar year 2005 totaled a highest-ever 2,078,415. That is a 30 per cent jump from the 1,597,462 filed in 2004. Details.
Complaints Against Judges Declined in FY 2005 - March 21, 2006
The number of judicial complaints filed in the 12 months ending September 30, 2005, fell 18 percent to 642. Details.
Judiciary Asks Congress
To Use Care on Sentencing - March 16
The Judiciary is telling Congress there is no need for immediate legislation because federal judges' practices in sending convicted criminals to prison remain much the same as they were before the Supreme Court invalidated mandatory sentencing guidelines.
Details. Judge Cassell testimony (pdf). Video.
Conference Supports Shift
In Courthouse Responsibility - March 14
The Judicial Conference of the U.S. affirmed its continued support for legislation that would let the Judiciary assume responsibility from the General Services Administration for management, operation, repair, leasing, and construction of federal courthouses. Details.
Federal Courts Caseloads for FY 2005 Newly Posted - March 14
In fiscal year 2005, federal courts' workload was affected in part by Supreme Court decisions, new legislation, and a force of nature. Filings of appeals and bankruptcy petitions reached record highs. Details.
National Public Service Award Goes to AO Director Mecham - March 10
Leonidas Ralph Mecham, longtime director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts, is a 2006 winner of a National Public Service Award, given by the National Academy of Public Administration and the American Society for Public Administration.
Federal Probation Officers Work with Gang Members - March 7
Gang members often commit offenses that bring them into the federal court system, and under the supervision of federal probation officers. Details.
Visiting Judges Help Ease
Burden of Rising Caseloads - March 7
In the absence of new judgeships, courts have coped with rising caseloads in a variety of ways. One of the most successful has been the use of visiting judges. Details.
Some Federal Courts Provide Help Desks - March 2
A few courts offer non-lawyers consultations at the courthouse with volunteer lawyers or court employees. Details.
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February
No FY 2007 Courthouse Projects
In White House Budget - February 28
The White House fiscal year 2007 budget plan sent to Congress did not include funding for any new courthouse construction projects. Details.
Most Sentences
Stay Within Guidelines - February 28
At the one-year anniversary of a key Supreme Court decision, federal courts continue to punish more than 60 percent of convicted criminals within guidelines set the by U.S. Sentencing Commission. Details.
Monthly Vacancy Lists
Archived Back to 1981 - February 22
Monthly lists of judgeship vacancies that existed in the federal courts dating back to 1981 are now available online.
Rent Relief for Federal Courts Introduced in Congress - February 17
Bills aimed at bringing about a dramatic savings in the Judiciary's rent costs have been introduced in Congress. Details.
Online Survey's Focus: The Third Branch Newsletter - February 15
The Third Branch, the judiciary's monthly newsletter of record, is published in print and on this web site. Give us your opinion by completing the survey online by March 17.
Expanded Training Available for Officers - February 14
A centralized, cost-effective training program for federal court probation and pretrial services officers has expanded from three to five weeks. Details. More on training...
Authorized Judgeships Summarized on Table - February 3
A newly updated table summarizes the life-tenured judgeships authorized for the federal judiciary.
Justice Samuel Alito
Joins Supreme Court - February 1, 2006
Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. became history's 110th U.S. Supreme Court justice on January 31, 2006, when he was sworn in by Chief Justice John Roberts. Earlier that day, his nomination was confirmed by the Senate. President's comment.
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January
BNC Now Serves
All Bankruptcy Courts - January 27
The Bankruptcy Noticing Center, which prepares and serves bankruptcy notices in a timely and cost-effective way, now serves every federal bankruptcy court. Details.
Judicial Conference Committees Explained - January 24
A new Jurisdictional Statements page of this web site explains the missions of the various standing committees of the policy-making Judicial Conference of the United States.
Legal Term Glossary Newly Available - January 9
Stumped by a legal term? An updated glossary of legal terms encountered in the various federal courts is now included on this web site.
Chief Justice Roberts Issues Year-End Report - January 3, 2006
Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., the nation's top-ranking federal judge, issued his first Year-End Report on the Federal Judiciary. Text (pdf).
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