How to Suggest a Change to the Rules of Practice and Procedure and Forms
The Judiciary invites the public to participate in refining federal court rules and forms. Submitting a suggestion to one of the advisory committees triggers this cooperative process. Suggestions come from many sources, including judges, practicing attorneys, government agencies, academia, and bar associations.
Upon receipt of a suggestion, an agenda number is assigned to prepare an advisory committee's reporter and members for preliminary discussion at an upcoming meeting. The reporter normally analyzes the suggestion and makes appropriate recommendations to the advisory committee. If the advisory committee decides to pursue the idea, it may seek empirical research assistance from the Federal Judicial Center.
When an advisory committee decides that a particular proposal has merit, it will forward a draft amendment and an explanatory committee note to the Standing Rules Committee. The Standing Committee reviews the draft and then, if worthy of publication, broadly circulates the preliminary draft with a call for public comment. The Standing Committee also schedules hearings on the proposed changes to coincide with the public comment period.
Resources
Guidelines for Drafting and Editing Court Rules
Examples of Rules Suggestions
Suggest a Change to the Rules
By Email: Rules_Support@ao.uscourts.gov
By Mail:
Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure
Administrative Office of the United States Courts
One Columbus Circle, NE
Washington, D.C. 20544