The Judicial Council of the Ninth Circuit is the governing body of the United States Courts for the Ninth Circuit. The council’s statutory mission is to support the effective and expeditious administration of justice and the safeguarding of fairness in the administration of the courts within the circuit.
It has statutory authority to "make all necessary and appropriate orders for the effective and expeditious administration of justice within its circuit," [28 U.S.C. 332(d)(1)]. The council is looked upon as a "judicial board of directors." Chaired by the chief judge of the circuit, the council provides policy guidance and leadership to courts of the circuit. It meets quarterly to review issues and resolve problems, conducting additional business by conference call or mail ballot when necessary.
The Judicial Council of the Ninth Circuit also has been delegated responsibilities by the Judicial Conference of the United States, the national governing body for the federal courts. These responsibilities include authorizing senior judge staffing levels and pay. The council accomplishes most of its work through committees.
The Office of the Circuit Executive provides staff support to the council and implements its administrative decisions and policies. By statute, the circuit executive is the administrative assistant to the chief judge of the circuit and secretary to the judicial council. The circuit executive and his staff assist in identifying circuit-wide needs, conducting studies, proactively developing and implementing policies, providing training, public information and human resources support. Circuit executive staff also coordinates building and automation projects, and advises the council on procedural and ethical matters. The Office of the Circuit Executive provides management and technical assistance to courts within the circuit upon request. It also administers the annual Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference.
Day-to-day management of the courts rests with the court of appeals and each of the district and bankruptcy courts. Under the direction of the individual courts' chief judge and clerk of court, the clerks' offices process new cases and appeals, handle docketing functions, respond to procedural questions from the public and bar, and provide adequate judicial staff resources. The clerk of court for the court of appeals also supervises the work of the Circuit Mediation Office and the Office of the Staff Attorneys, which includes the research, motions, case management and pro se units. The Office of the Appellate Commissioner, also located in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Clerk's Office, reviews Criminal Justice Act vouchers for cases that come before the court of appeals.