November
Child Pornography Penalties Reviewed- November 06, 2009
The U.S. Sentencing Commission has issued a report, "The History of Child Pornography Guidelines," as a first step in its review of the punishment prescribed for the sexual exploitation of children. Report
Federal Courts Reach Out To Social Studies Teachers- November 02, 2009
The federal courts system will be on hand at the 2009 meeting of the National Council of Social Studies Conference in Atlanta on November 12-14. Details
October
Judge Sessions Confirmed: Sentencing Commission Chair- October 28, 2009
Chief U.S. District Judge William Sessions III of Vermont has been confirmed as chair of the U.S. Sentencing Commission. He has served on the Commission since 1999. Details
2008 Federal Court Statistics: Judicial Facts and Figures- October 27, 2009
One of the federal judiciary's major statistical compilations, Judicial Facts and Figures, recently was updated to include caseload statistics and judgeship totals for fiscal year 2008. Details
Courts Offer Jurors Help in Traumatic Cases- October 23, 2009
Some federal courts offer jurors access to counseling after they sit through trials with troublesome testimony and evidence. Details
Rules Enabling Act Is 75 Years Old- October 23, 2009
A look at the impact of the Rules Enabling Act, which in 1934 allowed the Supreme Court to prescribe practice and procedure rules for federal district courts. Details
New Committee Chairs Named by Chief Justice- October 23, 2009
Chief Justice John Roberts has named four new chairs for committees of the Judicial Conference of the United States. Details
Federal Courts Participate In State's Earthquake Drill- October 22, 2009
Federal judges and others employed by the federal courts in the Los Angeles area participated in the Great Southern California Shakeout Earthquake Drill on October 15, 2009. Details
FJC Surveys Lawyers About Civil Discovery- October 15, 2009
A national, case-based survey conducted by the Federal Judicial Center shows that attorneys representing clients in civil cases have varying views about how well discovery - the pretrial exchange of evidentiary information - works. Details
Supreme Court Fellows Program Applications Due- October 14, 2009
The deadline to be considered for a 2010-2011 Supreme Court Fellowship is November 9, 2009. Details More about the program
Federal Court's Web Site Cited Among Top Ten- October 14, 2009
The U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland has been honored by Justice Served as one of Top 10 Court Web Sites for 2009. Details
Judiciary's CM/ECF Continues to Grow- October 08, 2009
The federal judiciary's Case Management/Electronic Case Files project continues to grow, and now nearly all federal courts accept electronic filing of cases. Details
Terms and Conditions Page Updated for Court Interpreters- October 06, 2009
The Administrative Office of the United States Courts has updated the terms and conditions for contract court interpreter services. Details Other information on court interpreters
September
New Judgeships Needed, Judiciary Tells Congress- September 30, 2009
A representative of the policy-making Judicial Conference of the United States told a Senate subcommittee that new judgeships are needed, stating, "To enable the Judiciary to continue serving litigants efficiently and effectively, the judicial workforce must be expanded." News Release
Judicial Security Concerns Arise on Southwest Border- September 29, 2009
Significant workload increases in five federal judicial districts in the Southwest and an outbreak of violence in nearby areas was the focus of a recent tour along the border our nation shares with Mexico. Details
Handling Huge Bankruptcy Cases: Experience Plus Preparation Helps- September 29, 2009
The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York never flinched while handling a pair of auto industry bankruptcy cases filed within a month of each other. Details
Electronic Public Access Assessment Underway- September 29, 2009
The Judiciary's Electronic Public Access Program is looking for user input. Details
Newly Posted: Instructions For Filing Wiretap Reports- September 21, 2009
The Administrative Office, required to transmit to Congress a report on the number of applications for orders authorizing or approving interception of electronic communications each year, has posted instructions for those who must file data for such reports. New Instructions
Four Supreme Court Justices Honored In New Stamps- September 16, 2009
Four former members of the U.S. Supreme Court - Justices Joseph Story, Louis Brandeis, Felix Frankfurter, and William Brennan - are being honored in four new stamps issued by the U.S. Postal Service. Details
Judicial Conference Acts on Report Access, Courtroom Sharing- September 15, 2009
The Judicial Conference of the United States voted to make all future Civil Justice Reform Act reports available to the public online without charge, and adopted a courtroom sharing policy for magistrate judges. News Release
Constitution Day 2009 Marked by Judiciary- September 14, 2009
The U.S. Constitution turns 222 years old on September 17, 2009, and the nation's federal courts are using the occasion to drive home two important lessons for high school students and others. News Release
Six U.S. Courthouses Win Design Awards- September 01, 2009
Six federal courthouses were among the winners of the General Services Administration's biennial design, art, and construction excellence awards. Details
August
Sentencing Commission, Guidelines Reach 25-Year Anniversary- August 27, 2009
The U.S. Sentencing Commission and sentencing guidelines for the federal courts will be 25 years old on October 12, 2009. Details Significant Dates
Retired Justice O'Connor Champions Civic Education- August 27, 2009
In an interview, retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor explains her concern about the state of civic education. Details
Nation's Civics Teachers Have Day in Court- August 25, 2009
More than 400 teachers from across the nation recently participated in a free press-fair trial simulation in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Details
PACER Assessment Currently Underway- August 24, 2009
The Federal Judiciary is undertaking a year-long comprehensive program assessment of its Electronic Public Access Program and Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system. Details
U.S. Courts Careers Described Online- August 20, 2009
Videos and other resources on this web site explore career opportunities within the federal court system. Details
Bankruptcy Filings Continue Sharp Rise- August 13, 2009
There were 1.3 million bankruptcy cases filed in the 12-month period ending June 30, 2009. That is a 35 percent increase from the cases filed during the previous 12 months. Details
New Court Security Officers Hear from AO Director Duff- August 04, 2009
James C. Duff, director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts, recently addressed 25 new court security officers, appointed in Tucson, Arizona, as part of the Perimeter Security Pilot Project. Details
July
PACER Subscriptions Hit One Million- July 31, 2009
The federal Judiciary's Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system has reached the one million mark in number of subscribers who have registered since 1991. The system allows users to obtain federal court case and docket information via the Internet. Details
Citing Internet Sources In Judicial Opinions- July 31, 2009
The Judicial Conference has issued a series of "suggested practices" to assist courts in the use of Internet materials in opinions. Details
Federal Rule Changes Win Committee Approval- July 31, 2009
The Judicial Conference's Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure recently approved several proposed rules and forms amendments, and a new rule. Details
Court Uses JERS To Help Jurors- July 27, 2009
The U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina helps jurors during their deliberations with its Jury Evidence Recording System, or JERS. The system electronically captures exhibits as they are presented in court proceedings, and later makes them accessible to jurors at the touch of a button. Details
Notice Enhanced for Redaction Responsibilities- July 27, 2009
Modifications to the Case Management/Electronic Case Files (CM/ECF) system, soon to be available to all federal appellate, district, and bankruptcy courts, will strengthen the reminders to attorneys of their responsibility to redact private information from the documents they file. Details
Mandatory Minimums: A Statistical Overview- July 23, 2009
The U.S. Sentencing Commission recently provided a statistical overview of statutory mandatory minimum sentencing, using fiscal year 2008 data. Details
Dozens of New Citizens Sworn in at Baseball Stadium- July 23, 2009
With baseball fans as witnesses, a federal judge recently administered the Oath of Allegiance to nearly 60 new U.S. citizens in the stadium that is home to Major League Baseball's Detroit Tigers. Podcast
Emergency Prep: Federal Court Joins with State, Local Agencies- July 16, 2009
The federal court in the Southern District of Indiana held a conference to help outline emergency response efforts across several agencies at each level of government. The idea is to coordinate a response to any natural disaster or emergency. Video
Judges Play Key Role In Citizenship Ceremonies- July 15, 2009
More than 400,000 people become naturalized citizens in federal court ceremonies each year. Judges play a key role, administering the Oath of Allegiance. Senior U.S. District Judge Warren W. Eginton (second from right) visited with several new citizens after a recent ceremony in Hartford, Connecticut.
Judiciary Voices Concerns Over Mandatory Minimums- July 14, 2009
A representative of the policy-making Judicial Conference of the U.S. testifies that mandatory minimum sentencing, required by more than 170 statutes, does not "meaningfully distinguish between serious offenders and those who are substantially less culpable." Details Testimony
Federal Judges' Papers Discussed in Publication- July 10, 2009
A recent publication discusses the importance of federal judges' papers as a documentary record of their careers and the work of the federal courts. Details
Time Changes Coming To Federal Court Rules- July 07, 2009
As of December 1, 2009, the way in which time -- and filing deadlines -- is calculated by federal courts is scheduled to change. Details
Collaborative Approach Cuts Postage, Saves Time- July 07, 2009
The U.S. Sentencing Commission has developed an electronic submission system that allows federal courts to transmit images of sentencing documents in PDF format instead of mailing them, saving postage costs and the inconvenience of copying. Details
Easing Case Congestion With Volunteers- July 07, 2009
The Judicial Conference Committee on Intercircuit Assignments brings together courts staggering under backlogs with judges willing to take cases. Details
June
New Supervision Document Outlines Technologies- June 26, 2009
The Judiciary updated the Federal Location Monitoring Program for Defendants and Offenders, known as Monograph 113. The new information outlines several technologies that can enhance officers' ability to supervise individuals who are awaiting trial or are just released from prison. Play Video
Justice Souter's Dramatic Call For Improved Civic Education- June 22, 2009
Retiring Supreme Court Justice David Souter says Americans are in dire need of being re-educated about how their government works because their lack of knowledge not only threatens judicial independence but the republic itself. Details
Bankruptcy Court Offers Loss Mitigation Program- June 22, 2009
In the current economy, home foreclosures often yield a loss-loss situation for homeowners and lenders. One bankruptcy court has launched an innovative program that tries to help both sides avoid such mutual dissatisfaction. Details
New Bankruptcy Judgeships Urged In Face of Rising Cases- June 16, 2009
Congress is told that the federal courts need additional bankruptcy judgeships in the face of near-record case levels to alleviate overcrowded dockets and to ensure that the bankruptcy system operates efficiently. News Release
Courthouse Priorities Passed Over Causes Concerns for Judiciary- June 16, 2009
New courthouse construction projects on the Judiciary's Five Year Plan are carefully assessed and ranked, yet the projects were passed over in the President's Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Request, a Judicial Conference representative tells a Senate subcommittee. New Release
Federal Courts Podcast Page Offers Listening Options- June 10, 2009
A new podcast page on this web site gives users the choice of listening on their computer, subscribing via RSS feed, downloading the MP3 to import into any MP3 player, or subscribing via ITunes. Podcast Page
Bankruptcy Filings for March Up 33 Percent- June 08, 2009
Bankruptcy filings for the 12-month period ending March 31, 2009 were up 33.3 percent over the same period over the previous year. Details
Judicial Vacancies Page Offers New Features- June 03, 2009
This web site's Federal Judicial Vacancies page has been updated, and now features, among other changes, data tables that can be sorted by column. New page
Available Online: Recordings of GM Bankruptcy Case Hearings- June 02, 2009
The U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the Southern District of New York will make audio recordings of courtroom proceedings in the General Motors Corporation bankruptcy case available online, through the federal judiciary's Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system. Details Digital Audio Pilot
Hundreds of LA-Area Students Participate in Law Day 2009- June 01, 2009
Hundreds of Los Angeles high school students and teachers participated in Law Day 2009 hosted by the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. Details
May
CM/ECF: Plans Being Hatched For Next Generation- May 27, 2009
The federal judiciary's Case Management/Electronic Case Files system has dramatically streamlined and simplified federal court case filing, management, and access for more than a decade. Now, plans are already underway for the future of that system. Details
Federal Courts Work To Improve Forms- May 22, 2009
The federal judiciary's Forms Working Group updates and creates the national forms available to courts, bar, and the public. Details
Violence Along Border Discussed In Judges' Meeting- May 20, 2009
A briefing for federal judges who work along the southwest border discussed the causes and degree of border violence in Mexico and its possible spillover implications for U.S. judicial security. Details
Survey: Judiciary's Officers Experienced, Well-Educated- May 20, 2009
The federal Judiciary is served by probation and pretrial services officers who, as a group, are very well-experienced and well-educated, a recent survey indicates. Details
Court's ENS System Vital Part of its COOP- May 18, 2009
In the Western District of Washington, an Emergency Notification System used to alert court staff of dangerous conditions is a vital part of a Continuity of Operations Plan. Video
Available Online: Recordings of Hearings In Chrysler Bankruptcy Case- May 15, 2009
The U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the Southern District of New York will make audio recordings of courtroom proceedings in the Chrysler LLC bankruptcy case available online, through the federal judiciary's Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system. Details Digital Audio Pilot Project
Costs of Imprisonment Far Exceed Supervision Costs- May 12, 2009
This graphic reflects the fiscal year 2008 cost of supervision by federal probation and pretrial services officers as compared to the cost of incarceration and pretrial detention. Details
Federal Courts Seek Comments On Revised Interpreter Contracts- May 12, 2009
Public comments are being sought until June 29, 2009, by the federal court system on proposed revisions in the Contract Court Interpreter Services Terms & Conditions and the revised Rate & Information Sheet. Details
Poll: Americans Want Interbranch Cooperation- May 12, 2009
Americans expect the three branches of government to work together to solve problems such as prison overcrowding, according to a public opinion survey released by the National Center for State Courts. Details
Law Day, Juror Appreciation Celebrated by Federal Courts- May 12, 2009
Federal courthouses in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania ﾢﾾﾀﾾﾓ in Philadelphia, Allentown, and Reading ﾢﾾﾀﾾﾓ celebrated Law Day and Juror Appreciation in ceremonies on May 12, 2009. A similar celebration was held in 2008. 2008 Video
April
Federal Court's Outreach Program A Success- April 29, 2009
Hundreds of high school students visited the federal courthouse in San Diego for an outreach event that gave them a chance to visit with legal professionals and learn about their jobs. Video
Judiciary: End Disparity In Cocaine Sentences- April 29, 2009
A representative of the policy-making Judicial Conference of the United States urges Congress to end the disparity in sentences for crimes involving powder and crack cocaine. News Release
Wiretap Applications Declined in 2008- April 27, 2009
A total of 1,891 applications to federal and state judges for orders authorizing the interception of wire, oral, or electronic communications were reported in calendar year 2008. The number represents a 14 percent decrease from authorizing orders in 2007. News Release
Federal Courts To Offer Jury-Friendly Web Page- April 22, 2009
Seventy-five federal district courts have signed on to offer potential jurors a web page where they can complete questionnaires and access information on when to report for jury service. Details
Appellate Court Opinions Available Via E-Technology- April 22, 2009
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit recently added RSS feeds for both opinions and audio recordings of oral arguments to its public web site. It joins five other federal appellate courts using Real Simple Syndication. Details
Innovative IT Programs Boost Court Efficiencies- April 22, 2009
Four innovative information technology projects that involve collaboration between two or more federal courts provide capabilities not currently available through national IT product. Details
Multidistrict Litigation Can Save Time, Money- April 20, 2009
The U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation, comprised of seven federal judges, hears requests to "centralize" similar lawsuits in federal courts across the nation. Such action can save time and money for litigants and the courts. Details
More Courts Offer Online Digital Audio Recordings- April 15, 2009
A pilot project to make digital audio recordings of courtroom proceedings publicly available online has been expanded, from five federal courts to nine, through the end of 2009. Details
Proposed Rule Changes Move Step Closer- April 10, 2009
An advisory committee has approved proposed amendments to several Criminal Rules. The proposals could take effect in late 2010 if approved by another Judicial Branch committee, the Judicial Conference of the United States, and the Supreme Court -- in the absence of other action by Congress. Details
Patent Case Special Masters Impact Assessed in Study- April 06, 2009
A new report studies the use of special masters in patent litigation, based on research requested by the Federal Judicial Center. Details
Fees Increased For Contract Interpreters- April 01, 2009
The fees for contract interpreters hired by the federal courts have been increased, effective April 1, 2009. Current Fees More about interpreters
March
PACER to List Sealed Cases- March 31, 2009
The Judicial Conference has voted to make federal court sealed cases more readily apparent. Details
Federal Courts Advised: Check Attorney's Credentials- March 31, 2009
Federal courts nationwide are being advised to do more to make sure the people who seek permission to represent clients in them are truly licensed lawyers. Details
Cost-of-Living Adjustment Given to Federal Judges- March 31, 2009
The nation's federal judges are authorized to receive a 2.8 percent cost-of-living adjustment for 2009, retroactive to January 1, 2009. Details
U.S. Marshals Service Honors Judge Lefkow- March 25, 2009
The U.S. Marshals Service dedicated the Joan H. Lefkow Conference Room at the agency's Threat Management Center on March 24. Judge Lefkow's husband Michael and mother Donna were murdered in 2005 by a disgruntled litigant. Details
Retired Justice O'Connor Endorses Learning Centers- March 23, 2009
Retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, presiding over the grand opening of a judicial learning center at a federal courthouse in St. Louis, voices the hope that other courts will use it as a model. Podcast
Hourly Rates Raised For CJA Panel Attorneys- March 23, 2009
Congress has authorized and provided funds to raise the non-capital hourly rate for private panel attorney compensation from $100 to $110 under the Criminal Justice Act. Details
Federal Judiciary Seeks FY 2010 Funding- March 19, 2009
A federal judge testified before a congressional subcommittee about the federal courts' appropriations needs for fiscal year 2010, which will begin October 1, 2009. News Release
Video Excerpt
Revised Code of Conduct Adopted for Federal Judges- March 17, 2009
The Judicial Conference of the United States has adopted a revised Code of Conduct for United States Judges that will take effect July 1, 2009. It's the first substantial Code revision since 1992. News Release
Federal Court Caseloads Grew During FY 2008- March 17, 2009
The work of the federal courts grew in all key caseload areas during fiscal year 2008. Appeals, civil, criminal, and bankruptcy filings all increased when compared to FY 2007. News Release
Court's Learning Center Focuses on Judiciary's Role- March 13, 2009
The federal courthouse in St. Louis has devoted 2,500 square feet to a judicial learning center, an interactive and engaging facility. Video
Sentencing Guidelines Seminar Slated for June 10-12- March 11, 2009
The U.S. Sentencing Commission will host its annual national seminar on federal sentencing guidelines in New Orleans June 10-12. Details
Self-Represented Litigants Helped by Legal Clinic- March 06, 2009
One of the nation's largest and busiest federal district courts has opened a clinic offering free legal assistance to litigants who are pursuing civil claims without benefit of an attorney. Details
Bankruptcies Rose 31 Percent, Topped One Million in 2008- March 05, 2009
Bankruptcy filings in the federal courts rose 31 percent in calendar year 2008, and totaled 1,117,771. And filings in the last three months of CY 2008 - the first quarter of the judiciary's 2009 fiscal year - rose 33 percent to 301,317. Details
President Bush's Judicial Appointments Ranked Third Behind Reagan, Clinton- March 03, 2009
President George W. Bush appointed 328 persons to Article III judgeships, the third most of any president. Details
District, Appellate Court Statistics For FY 2008 Now Available- March 03, 2009
The Federal Court Management Statistics for fiscal year 2008 - the 12-month period ending September 30, 2008 - are now available. Details
February
Federal Chief Judges Cite Mixed Blessings- February 25, 2009
Every federal court is led by a chief judge, whose position offers unique opportunities and challenges. Details
Most Class Action Plaintiffs Don't Seek Certification- February 25, 2009
A recent study finds that plaintiffs in most diversity cases never asked a judge to "certify a class" of those allegedly affected similarly. Details
Various Techniques For Change Used by Probation Officers- February 25, 2009
Federal probation officers employ various techniques aimed at modifying antisocial behavior and thereby reduce recidivism among offenders. Details
More than 1 Million Criminals Punished Under Sentencing Guidelines- February 25, 2009
By the end of fiscal year 2008, more than one million federal offenders had been sentenced under the Sentencing Guidelines. The demographics of those sentenced has changed little over the past 17 years. Details
Federal Court Forms Now Categorized- February 19, 2009
A list of 56 new and restyled civil and criminal forms has been posted in a categorized listing. Details
Alternative Sentencing Report Notes Imprisonment Trends- February 13, 2009
A new report by the U.S. Sentencing Commission discusses the use of alternative sentencing and the percentage of federal defendants who are sentenced to prison. Details (pdf)
Updated Courts Access: Email and Wireless- February 10, 2009
Text messaging support to the federal judiciary's email subscription service is newly available. Users may subscribe for email updates, subscribe for text message updates, or subscribe for both email and text message updates together. Details
Information Technology Long Range Plan, FY 2009- February 10, 2009
The fiscal year 2009 update to the Long Range Plan for Information Technology in the Federal Judiciary articulates five-year directions and objectives for the judiciary's information technology program. Details
Judiciary's Exchange Program Seeks Greater Understanding- February 06, 2009
The first initiative of a new Court-Administrative Office Exchange Program, called the Director's Leadership Program, is being launched. Details
Newly Posted: Proceedings Of Judicial Conference- February 05, 2009
The Report of the Proceedings of the Judicial Conference of the United States for September 16, 2008, is now online. Report
New and Revised Forms Available On One List- February 03, 2009
A list of 56 new and restyled civil and criminal forms has been posted. A working group of judges, clerks, and staff members in the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts has rewritten the forms in simple, modern English. Details
January
New Poverty Guidelines Posted on Bankruptcy Page- January 30, 2009
New poverty guidelines for 2009, needed by persons seeking fee waivers when filing for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code, have been posted. Guidelines Other Bankruptcy Resources
Court Interpreting Events Increased in FY 2008- January 28, 2009
The number of federal court events requiring the use of interpreters increased by 14.9 percent in the 12 months ending September 30, 2008. Details
Jury Service Phone Scam Still Presents Problem- January 27, 2009
Beware, no authentic federal court official will call you about failing to report for jury service. Such notice always comes in the mail. If you receive such a call, it's likely a scam. Previous Warning
Sentencing Commission To Hold Regional Hearings- January 22, 2009
The U.S. Sentencing Commission will hold a series of regional public hearings on federal sentencing policy, beginning Feb. 10-11 in Atlanta. News Release
Caseload Statistics Posted: Through March 31, 2008- January 14, 2009
The Federal Judicial Caseload Statistics tables for courts of appeals, district courts, bankruptcy courts, and the federal probation system and pretrial services through March 31, 2008 are newly posted. Details
Newly Posted: Primer On Appeals Courts- January 12, 2009
The Federal Judicial Center has posted a monograph that offers a brief introduction to the complexity and nuance in the subject-matter jurisdiction of the U.S. Courts of Appeals, including civil and criminal appeals, extraordinary writs, and federal agency reviews. Details
For Rules Committee Records- January 09, 2009
A new feature called Quick Links offers links to frequently used Rules Committee records and information. Details
Federal Court Caseloads Grew in 2008- January 06, 2009
The number of cases filed in most levels of the federal court system - the courts of appeals, district courts, and bankruptcy courts - grew in 2008. Chief Justice Roberts referred to these statistics in his year-end report. Details
Federal Court Managers Help Mold Training- January 06, 2009
A 10-member Training Program Planning Team is working to identify specific training needs for federal court executives. Details
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