Judiciary News
Federal Judiciary Workplace Conduct Working Group Formed
Published onJanuary 12, 2018
James C. Duff, Director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, has established a Federal Judiciary Workplace Conduct Working Group to review the safeguards currently in place within the Judiciary to protect employees from inappropriate conduct in the workplace.
Court Declares a Settlement Week to Clear Old Caseload
Published onJanuary 12, 2018
The Western District Court of New York is one of the most congested courts in the country, receiving over 3,000 filings annually with individual judges’ caseloads at nearly 800. To reduce a long backlog of unresolved lawsuits, Chief Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr., revived a mediation strategy not used by the court since 1995: a settlement week.
Providing Equal Justice Through Training
Published onJanuary 4, 2018
Lawyers reflect on how the Judiciary’s defender training program gives them the confidence and know-how to provide indigent clients with a solid defense.
Chief Justice Roberts Issues 2017 Year-End Report
Published onDecember 31, 2017
Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr., has issued his 2017 Year-End Report on the Federal Judiciary.
Federal Judicial Center Marks 50th Anniversary
Published onDecember 20, 2017
The Federal Judicial Center, which has educated generations of federal judges and provided ground-breaking research on such topics as court technology and less costly ways to resolve disputes, celebrates its 50th anniversary on Dec. 20, 2017.
New Bankruptcy Form, Rules Take Effect
Published onDecember 1, 2017
Individuals filing for bankruptcy under Chapter 13 must use a new form that presents their payment plan in a more uniform and transparent manner, and creditors will have less time to submit a proof of claim, under new bankruptcy rules and form amendments that took effect Dec. 1.
Jury Scams Target Even Unlikely Victims
Published onNovember 16, 2017
Louisiana native Beth Cenac never thought she would be the target of a jury scam. She is a professional with a master’s degree who worked as a public librarian for 30 years and previously served on a jury.
Moments in History: Judge Jack Weinstein and Mass Tort Litigation
Published onNovember 8, 2017
Prominent judges, lawyers, and other associates share their recollections of the legal mastermind behind the Agent Orange class action settlement — U.S. Senior Judge Jack B. Weinstein, of the Eastern District of New York.
Indiana Court Brings Its History to the Big Screen
Published onNovember 2, 2017
In 2016, the state of Indiana celebrated its bicentennial with major statewide events, commemorative memorabilia, and appearances from famed celebrities who hail from the Hoosier state. Doria Lynch, court historian and special projects manager for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, began planning a second celebration, of the federal court’s own bicentennial in 2017.
In Colorado, Judges Teach Civics to Adults
Published onOctober 26, 2017
Surveys show that only 26 percent of U.S. adults can name all three branches of federal government, and 31 percent can’t name even one. Judiciary leaders in Colorado and elsewhere are working to improve those numbers.
Bankruptcy Filings Decline Is Smallest in Years
Published onOctober 18, 2017
Bankruptcy filings fell by 1.8 percent for the 12-month period ending September 30, 2017, compared with the year ending September 30, 2016. This is the smallest one-year drop since a national decline in annual federal bankruptcy filings began in June 2011.
Judge Ralph K. Winter Receives 2017 Devitt Award
Published onOctober 16, 2017
Senior Judge Ralph K. Winter of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit was presented with the 2017 Edward J. Devitt Distinguished Service to Justice Award in a special ceremony recently at the Thurgood Marshall Courthouse in New York.
Chief Justice Names New Conference Committee Chairs
Published onOctober 10, 2017
Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr., selected a new chair for the Executive Committee of the Judicial Conference of the United States and three new chairs for other Conference committees.
Six Receive Director’s Award for Leadership, Excellent Service
Published onOctober 5, 2017
Six federal Judiciary employees have received the 2017 Director’s Awards, which recognize outstanding performance in the federal courts nationwide.
Students Assist at Naturalization Ceremonies on Constitution Day/Citizenship Day
Published onSeptember 29, 2017
Federal courts around the country celebrated Constitution Day and Citizenship Day by arranging for students to welcome new U.S. citizens at nearly 50 naturalization ceremonies throughout September.