As the most frequent litigator in the federal courts, the Department of Justice has a strong interest in the efficient administration of justice. Moreover, we believe that it is in the interests of all litigants, lawyers, and citizens to have a judiciary that is able to render justice efficiently. The Department of Justice supports legislation providing for additional judgeships and reorganizing the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Assistant Attorney General Brand recently testified in support of such legislation before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

The Office of Legal Policy also works with the Department's litigating divisions to develop legislative proposals for the enhancement of the civil justice system and to coordinate the Department's positions on proposals that are developed by others. Such proposals include significant tort reform legislation and proposals to reform the federal courts' jurisdiction over class actions, administration of bankruptcies, and awards of attorneys' fees.

Testimony of Assistant Attorney General Rachel L. Brand in support of Providing Additional Judgeships and Splitting the Ninth Circuit (September 20, 2006)

Letter Conveying Department of Justice Views in support of Providing Additional Judgeships and Splitting the Ninth Circuit (November 14, 2005)

Prepared Testimony of Ryan W. Bounds, OLP Chief of Staff, on H.R. 435, the Equal Access to Justice Reform Act (May 23, 2006)

Statement of Administration Policy in support of S. 852, the Fairness in Asbestos Injury Resolution Act (February 8, 2006)

Statement of Administration Policy in support of H.R. 420, the Lawsuit Reduction Act of 2005 (October 27, 2005)

Statement of Administration Policy in support of H.R. 554, the Personal Responsibility in Food Consumption Act of 2005 (October 19, 2005)

Statement of Administration Policy in support of S. 395, the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act of 2005 (July 26, 2005)

Statement of Administration Policy in support of S. 5, the Class Action Fairness Act of 2005 (February 7, 2005)