Judiciary News
How Interpreters Aid Access to Justice
Published onJanuary 16, 2020
For a criminal defendant with limited English proficiency, or who has a hearing impairment, a skilled courtroom interpreter is a vital part of the justice system. Like court-appointed attorneys, interpreters enable defendants to understand proceedings and assist in their own defense. The role of court interpreters is the theme of a newly released Knowledge Seminar video.
Federal Judges Help Students Learn Civility Skills
Published onJanuary 10, 2020
The loudest voices may prevail at a townhall meeting, at a demonstration, or in the stands at a football game, but in courtrooms, civility and rationality win the day even when the stakes – and the emotions – are high. Civil Discourse and Difficult Decisions is a flagship program of the federal Judiciary’s outreach to students that equips them with legal and life skills needed to settle disputes successfully in a respectful way.
Members of PACER User Group Selected
Published onJanuary 9, 2020
Twelve people from diverse backgrounds in the law, media, government, and academia have been selected for a new public user group to provide advice and feedback on ways to improve the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) service and other electronic public access services provided by the Judiciary. The group is expected to hold its inaugural meeting in February.
Chief Justice Roberts Issues 2019 Year-End Report
Published onDecember 31, 2019
Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr., has issued his 2019 Year-End Report on the Federal Judiciary.
Courthouse Playroom Helps Youngsters Share American Dream
Published onDecember 18, 2019
In a typical week, federal judges in Chicago naturalize hundreds of new American citizens at the Everett M. Dirksen U.S. Courthouse. Shortly before a recent ceremony, the court opened a special welcoming space to help youngsters share in their families’ dreams.
Now Cherished, Bill of Rights Spent a Century in Obscurity
Published onDecember 12, 2019
The Bill of Rights is among our nation’s most admired documents, guaranteeing broad personal liberties and inspiring some of the federal courts’ most famous and polarizing cases.
‘Journey to Justice’: An Inside Look at Federal Criminal Trials
Published onDecember 4, 2019
A panel discussion featuring two federal judges, and a federal prosecutor and defender, aided by a video of a crime in progress, provide a probing inside look at how federal criminal trials unfold.
Building Diversity on the Bankruptcy Bench
Published onNovember 19, 2019
At a national diversity forum, federal judges sought to demystify the workings of the bankruptcy bench as a way to encourage law students and attorneys to take an interest in the practice area.
2019 Director’s Awards Presented for Leadership, Excellence, Bravery
Published onNovember 14, 2019
Employees from 10 federal courts have received the 2019 Director’s Awards, which recognize outstanding performance, innovation, and dedication by employees throughout the Judiciary each year.
Double Duty: Reflections of an Army General and Clerk of Court
Published onNovember 7, 2019
In honor of Veterans Day on Nov. 11, Marcia M. Anderson shares her rare perspective on military and civilian service.
Bankruptcy Filings Increase Slightly
Published onOctober 29, 2019
Bankruptcy filings increased by 0.4 percent for the 12-month period ending Sept. 30, 2019, compared with cases for the year ending Sept. 30, 2018, according to statistics released by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.
Just the Facts: A Look Back at the Role of Federal Courts in the Foreclosure Crisis
Published onOctober 24, 2019
The newest installment of Just the Facts examines foreclosure filings in U.S. district courts during the Great Recession of December 2007 to June 2009 and the subsequent recovery period.
Carolyn King: ‘Reluctant Judge’ Excelled as Leader
Published onOctober 16, 2019
By her own admission, Carolyn Dineen King, who in 1979 joined an historic class of 23 women jurists, was not committed to being a lawyer when she entered law school in 1959.
Federal Circuit Honored for Innovation in Training
Published onOctober 10, 2019
The Clerk’s Office of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has received the 2019 W. Edwards Deming Outstanding Training Award. The award is granted annually to innovative federal agencies by Graduate School USA.
Stephanie Seymour: Judge From Historic Class Learned Independence Early
Published onOctober 9, 2019
Judge Stephanie Kulp Seymour, who joined a historic class of women judges when she was appointed in 1979 to the 10th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals, was encouraged early on by her parents to be an independent thinker.