Judiciary News
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.
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).
Judge Testifies at House Hearing on Pandemic Impacts
Published onJune 25, 2020
Through a combination of advance planning, expanded use of technology, and the dedication of thousands of employees, the federal Judiciary’s response to the pandemic has enabled courts to continue to operate, while ensuring the health and safety of the public and court personnel, U.S. Senior District Judge David G. Campbell told Congress on Thursday.
Judiciary Employees Find Ways to Help During Pandemic
Published onJune 23, 2020
Learn about the countless Judiciary employees across the court system who have volunteered to help people in need in their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A New Road to Citizenship in Detroit
Published onJune 18, 2020
Federal judges in the Motor City are embracing a novel approach to welcoming people eager to take their citizenship oaths in the age of coronavirus: Drive-through naturalization ceremonies.
Virtual Internships Provide Inside Look at Court
Published onJune 16, 2020
For more than a decade, an annual summer intern program hosted by the Northern District of Alabama has given law students a vivid close-up view of the criminal and civil process.
Officers Innovate in the Field During COVID-19 Crisis
Published onJune 11, 2020
Federal probation and pretrial offices replaced many of their face-to-face operations with digital alternatives to protect the well-being of officers, the individuals they supervise, and the public, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Officers now utilize an array of telephone and video conferencing and location monitoring services, administer drug tests remotely, and facilitate telemedicine sessions to fulfill investigative and supervision duties from afar.
Judiciary Issues Report on Restarting Jury Trials
Published onJune 10, 2020
A comprehensive new report on conducting federal jury trials and convening grand juries during the pandemic details the number of factors for courts to consider, from changes to prospective juror questionnaires to creating safe spaces for jurors to deliberate safely.
Public Input Received on Possible Emergency Procedures
Published onJune 4, 2020
The Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure and its five advisory committees have posted public input that was received, regarding possible rule amendments that could ameliorate future national emergencies’ effects on court operations.
Judges Urged to Go All-Electronic in Clerkship Hiring
Published onMay 28, 2020
Students and law schools are struggling to complete applications for coveted judicial clerkships during the global pandemic. And federal judges are being urged to help them by using an all-electronic hiring process instead of paper applications and in-person interviews.
Courts and Classes are Closed, But Judges Make Virtual House Calls During COVID-19 Crisis
Published onMay 14, 2020
Schools and courthouses may be closed because of the coronavirus, but judges and court system professionals are making virtual house calls to bring civics education to home-bound students in New Hampshire and Missouri and programs are underway in other states. The Second Circuit is providing robust online resources that teachers, parents, and others can use in the distance learning environment.
New Bankruptcy Filings Fall 1.1 Percent
Published onMay 6, 2020
Bankruptcy filings fell by 1.1 percent for the 12-month period ending March 31, 2020, compared with the year ending March 31, 2019. According to statistics released by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, the March 2020 annual bankruptcy filings totaled 764,282, compared with 772,646 cases in the previous year.
Judiciary Seeks Funding, Legislative Changes to Aid COVID-19 Response
Published onMay 5, 2020
The Judiciary has asked Congress for $36.6 million in supplemental funding, as well as several legislative reforms designed to help federal courts respond effectively to the coronavirus (COVID-19) emergency.
Courts Begin to Consider Guidelines for Reopening
Published onApril 27, 2020
The Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts has distributed to the courts guidelines for restoring operations that rely heavily on conditions in local communities and on objective data from local and state public health officials and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.