NEWS RELEASE

Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts

Federal Judiciary Goes Live with New Internet Site

The United States Court system today unveiled a new Internet web site that will allow interested people throughout the world to access timely and useful information about the federal courts.

The site, located at www.uscourts.gov, offers users the content they most often need and request, including news releases, statistical data, general court information, judicial vacancy statistics and graphics, frequently asked questions, employment opportunities, and much more. The website is maintained by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts in Washington, D.C.

"Our new web site represents a great stride in the federal Judiciary's continuing effort to enhance and expand our communications," said Leonidas Ralph Mecham, Director of the Administrative Office. "Whether a lawyer, student, or interested member of the public, I believe users will find our web site to be informative and useful. We are committed to providing the most current information and enhancing our site with new features."

The redesigned homepage makes navigating the Judiciary's Internet site simpler and more intuitive. Eye-catching graphics and easy-to-read text point users in the right direction. For users who are trying to locate a particular item, an improved search engine is available, quick, and easy to use. Questions about the federal Judiciary or the web site can be forwarded to the web master via e-mail directly from the homepage. The links page lets users know which of the federal courts have their own Internet sites and makes visiting these sites just a click away.

Accessing information has been made easier, too, with the help of the Federal Judiciary Channel. Using push technology, the Federal Judiciary Channel provides visitors to the site with a way of receiving select information as it becomes available or is updated. The push mechanisms allow users, once they have registered free of charge, to receive the most current news at their desktops. The push software installed by the user will perform a periodic check, retrieve the updated information requested by the user, and automatically notify and send the new information to the user. News releases, updated judicial vacancy listings, employment opportunities, newly added content, and other information about the federal Judiciary are now available on the Federal Judiciary Channel. (See attachment for additional information.)

Exploration of the latest trends in web technology and how this valuable resource can be used to educate people about the federal court system is ongoing. The federal Judiciary Internet homepage is ever-changing in response to the needs and desires of the users. The federal Judiciary is committed to building on available Internet technology to stay in touch with people around the country and around the world.

The Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts provides administrative, legal, management, and program support to federal courts throughout the country. Created in 1939, the Administrative Office today supports approximately 28,000 Judiciary employees working in more than 800 locations. The web site is maintained by the Administrative Office's Office of Public Affairs.

Attachment 1

Push Technology The Federal Judiciary Channel uses push technology to bring news in the federal Judiciary right to your desktop.

What is push technology?

For visitors to our web site, the Federal Judiciary Channel provides a way of receiving select information as it becomes available or is updated. The push mechanisms allow users, once they have registered with us, to receive the most current news at their desktops. The push software installed by the user will perform a periodic check, retrieve the updated information requested by the user, and automatically notify and send the new information to the user.

Why not send it as e-mail?

It is possible to provide updates to users through e-mail, but most of the information users retrieve from our website is in HTML or PDF—two formats most often used on the web. Many e-mail packages cannot display the information in these formats as well as web browsers, leaving users with unreadable text. By using a newer web browser or special push software, the information will be presented just as it appears on the web site.

What information is being pushed on The Federal Judiciary Channel?

News releases, updated vacancy listings, employment opportunities, newly added content, and other information about the federal Judiciary. You can pick and choose the information you would like to receive, or have all the latest news sent to you.

What software do I need to receive the pushed information?

The Federal Judiciary Channel will be providing the information in three of the most popular push formats. There will be a Pointcast Connection, a Netcaster Channel, and a Microsoft Active Channel. (See the information files below on specific requirements of each channel format.) Only one of the software packages is required to receive data through the Federal Judiciary Channel, and the information will be the same regardless of the software you choose. There are numerous other software packages that support push technology. Visit http://www.yahoo.com and search for PUSH TECHNOLOGY, to see a complete list.

How do I subscribe to the Federal Judiciary Channel?

Visit the federal Judiciary's website at www.uscourts.gov. Click on the icon marked Federal Judiciary Channel Choose the format you would like to use to receive information. Full instructions for subscribing will be provided.