Judiciary News
Federal Judges Reinventing the Jury Trial During Pandemic
Published onAugust 27, 2020
A group of federal judges around the country are reinventing the jury trial so that it is not only a fair forum for the administration of justice, but also a safe experience for everyone in the courtroom, including defendants and jurors.
Judiciary Report Underscores Commitment to Civics Education
Published onAugust 26, 2020
Federal courts are approaching the 2020-2021 academic year with an endorsement of volunteer civics education efforts by judges and a willingness to support teachers in bringing the human face of the Judiciary into their civics and government classes, whether students are at home or in school.
Courthouse Closures for Hurricane Laura
Published onAugust 26, 2020
Federal courthouses in Louisiana are closed due to the effects of Hurricane Laura.
As Courts Restore Operations, COVID-19 Creates a New Normal
Published onAugust 20, 2020
When coronavirus (COVID-19) cases spiked in March, court practices changed almost overnight, relying on virtual hearings that make it possible to conduct most court-related activities without coming to the building. Now, with courts seeking to restore in-person proceedings, one thing already is clear: Justice in a pandemic environment will have a very different look and feel.
Defenders Work to Ensure Due Process Amid Pandemic
Published onAugust 19, 2020
Of the many challenges that the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has imposed on the ongoing operations of federal courts, some of the toughest are being faced by federal defenders, who are on the front lines working to overcome unprecedented threats to their clients’ safety and constitutional rights.
Judicial Conference Approves Measures to Increase Security for Federal Judges
Published onAugust 14, 2020
A series of recommendations to upgrade and expand security for federal judges and increase Congressional funding to support the security program have been approved by the federal Judiciary’s national policy-making body.
Judges, Lawyers Bring Life Skills to Virtual Classroom Activities for Home and School
Published onAugust 6, 2020
High school teachers can bring real-life civics into their virtual lessons when they invite federal judges and volunteer attorneys to facilitate a civil discourse and decision-making simulation with students at home or in the classroom this fall.
Bankruptcy Filings Fall 11.8 Percent for Year Ending June 30
Published onJuly 29, 2020
Despite a sharp rise in unemployment related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, personal and business bankruptcy filings fell 11.8 percent for the 12-month period ending June 30, 2020, according to statistics released by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.
Some Courts Slow Reopening Plans as COVID Cases Rise
Published onJuly 16, 2020
At a time when some states are backtracking on plans to restore business and government operations, a number of federal courts also are slowing plans to reopen courthouse doors as coronavirus (COVID-19) case numbers escalate in many states.
Even During COVID, Courts Find Ways to Welcome New Americans
Published onJuly 7, 2020
When the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic first forced courthouses to limit access to the general public, one of the first events to be canceled was an especially joyous rite: the naturalization of new U.S. citizens.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Response and Recovery
Published onJuly 2, 2020
Federal courts are coordinating with state and local health officials and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to obtain information about the coronavirus (COVID-19) to aid their response, recovery, and reopening efforts. Courts are regularly releasing orders to address operating status, public and employee safety, and other court business.
Judiciary Makes the Case for New Judgeships
Published onJune 30, 2020
The creation of new judgeships has not kept pace with the growth in case filings over three decades, producing “profound” negative effects for many courts across the country, U.S. District Judge Brian S. Miller told Congress today.
2019 Wiretap Report: Orders and Convictions Increase
Published onJune 30, 2020
Federal and state courts reported a combined 10 percent increase in authorized wiretaps in 2019, compared with 2018, according to the Judiciary’s 2019 Wiretap Report. Convictions in cases involving electronic surveillance also increased.
LGBTQ Judges Discuss Experiences in Pride Month Event
Published onJune 29, 2020
Five openly LGBTQ judges from different backgrounds and experiences offer insight into their lives before and after appointment to the federal bench in a new U.S. Courts video released in observance of Pride Month.
Judiciary Launches Redesigned PACER Website
Published onJune 26, 2020
The Administrative Office of the U.S Courts on June 28 will launch a redesigned informational website for the Judiciary’s electronic court records system, known as PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records).