Circuit Seeks to Improve Juror Experience, Jury Management
At the urging of Chief Judge Mary M. Schroeder, the Judicial Council of the Ninth Circuit has established a special Jury Trial Improvement Committee to address issues related to juror service in federal courts of the western states. The committee was directed to develop and implement innovative approaches that both improve the juror experience for citizens and contribute to better court management of the jury system. Its preliminary report was delivered to the judicial council in May 2004.
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Courts Reach Out to Media
The Ninth Circuit is at the forefront of efforts to educate the public about the courts and the important role they play in a democratic society. Helping organize and coordinate these numerous and varied efforts is the circuit’s Public Information and Community Outreach (PICO) Committee.
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Task Force Seeks Solutions to Courts' Pro Se Caseload
The Ninth Circuit is at the forefront of efforts to help federal courts contend with a growing number of pro se cases in which at least one party is self-represented. Because self-represented litigants are generally less familiar with the law and legal procedures, pro se cases pose special challenges for judges and often demand more services from court staff. Pro se cases now constitute roughly one-third of all civil filings in the Ninth Circuit with the problem most acute in the district courts, where trials are conducted.
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