Judiciary News
Jury Service: What to Expect When Answering the Call
Published onOctober 17, 2023
When a jury summons could arrive in the mail any day, it helps to know what’s fact and what’s fiction about jury service. A federal judge, juror, and two jury administrators answered frequently asked questions about jury service to dispel misconceptions about serving on a jury.
Chief Justice Names Conference Committee Chairs
Published onOctober 5, 2023
Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr., has named seven new chairs of Judicial Conference committees and extended the term of six current chairs by one year. The appointments took effect Oct. 1.
Cecilia Altonaga: First Female Cuban American Federal Judge
Published onOctober 3, 2023
Chief Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga is still humbled by her appointment in 2003, becoming the first female Cuban American federal judge. In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, a new video profile explores Altonaga’s Cuban heritage, her pursuit of a career in law, and her family’s defection from Cuba.
Memphis Students Have Candid Conversations with Federal Judges
Published onSeptember 27, 2023
More than 300 students in Memphis, Tennessee, participated in candid conversations about the Constitution with federal judges and attorneys as part of Civics Day.
Judges Welcome New Citizens at Ballparks
Published onSeptember 21, 2023
Federal judges presided over naturalization ceremonies at major league ballparks, in a special observation of Constitution Day and Citizenship Day that brought the courts into community settings.
Judicial Conference Revises Policy to Expand Remote Audio Access Over Its Pre-COVID Policy
Published onSeptember 12, 2023
The Judicial Conference of the United States on Tuesday approved a change to its broadcast policy that expands the public’s access to civil and bankruptcy proceedings over the Judiciary’s longstanding pre-COVID policy, which prohibited all remote public access to federal court proceedings.
Longtime Clerks Recall ‘Seismic Shift’ in Appellate Courts
Published onSeptember 7, 2023
After decades of very little change, technology and new business practices caused a “seismic shift” in federal appellate courts. Three longtime clerks of court recall the transformation they witnessed.
New Supreme Court Fellows Begin Term
Published onAugust 29, 2023
Four new U.S. Supreme Court Fellows will begin their 2023-2024 fellowships in September.
The Supreme Court Fellows Program, established by the late Chief Justice Warren E. Burger in 1973, provides participants the opportunity to gain a greater understanding of the federal Judiciary. Fellows work alongside top officials in the judicial branch on projects that further the goals of the Judiciary.
Judge José A. Cabranes to Receive 2023 Devitt Award
Published onAugust 23, 2023
Judge José A. Cabranes, of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, is the 2023 recipient of the Edward J. Devitt Distinguished Service to Justice Award. Cabranes will receive the award in a Sept. 26 ceremony at the U.S. Supreme Court.
Proposed FY 2024 Funding Levels Would Hurt Courts and Public, Letter to Congress Says
Published onAugust 1, 2023
The Judicial Conference has expressed “deep concern” about pending congressional appropriations legislation, saying proposed funding levels that are far below the Judiciary’s request would have detrimental impacts on federal courts and the public.
Bankruptcy Filings Rise 10 Percent
Published onJuly 31, 2023
Personal and business bankruptcy filings rose 10 percent in the twelve-month period ending June 30, 2023, compared with the previous year.
Diane Humetewa: First Female Native American Federal Judge
Published onJuly 27, 2023
The first female Native American federal judge, Diane J. Humetewa is the subject of a new installment in the Pathways to the Bench video series in which judges talk about challenges they overcame on their way to service as a federal judge.
Probation Officers Partner with Community to Help ‘People Change Their Lives’
Published onJuly 20, 2023
Probation and pretrial services officers collaborate with their community to help people under supervision fully reintegrate themselves into society. Highlighting how probation and pretrial offices and their community partners are stronger together is the goal of this year’s National Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Supervision Week.
The Right to Counsel: How It Affects You
Published onJuly 11, 2023
In a new video, federal judges and public defense attorneys discuss the significance of the Sixth Amendment right to counsel and the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision in Gideon v. Wainwright (1963).
2022 Wiretap Report: Intercepts Rise, Arrests and Convictions Fall
Published onJune 30, 2023
Federal and state courts reported a combined 7 percent increase in authorized wiretaps in 2022, compared with 2021, according to the Judiciary’s 2022 Wiretap Report. Arrests and convictions in cases involving electronic surveillance decreased.