Judiciary News
Retroactive Sentence Reductions Don't Increase Recidivism
Published onJuly 18, 2014
The U.S. Sentencing Commission recommended to retroactively apply lower drug guideline ranges for previously sentenced offenders.
John Seigenthaler: 'Cherished Friend' of Judges and Journalists
Published onJuly 17, 2014
Beginning 15 years ago, noted publisher and First Amendment advocate John Seigenthaler met annually with groups of journalists and federal judges in an effort to help them better understand each other. By all accounts, Seigethaler, who died July 11, 2014, made great progress.
Task Force Urged to Curb Over-Federalization of Criminal Law
Published onJuly 11, 2014
The Judicial Conference supports criminal justice reforms intended to ease prison crowding, but a federal judge told a House task force that that the Judiciary currently lacks the resources to shoulder resulting increased workload.
On Topic: Judge Gelpi Discusses Federal Bar Association
Published onJuly 8, 2014
U.S. District Judge Gustavo Gelpi, Jr., is the first Article III federal judge to serve as president of the Federal Bar Association. In a new “On Topic” audio interview, he explains the association’s role in defending federal courts.
July Fourth Video: What Does Independence Mean to You?
Published onJuly 3, 2014
In celebration of July Fourth, citizens, attorneys and federal judges from across the country reflect on what independence means and how the U.S. courts protect their freedoms. In a brief video, participants from Washington, New York City and San Francisco also share their thoughts on two key phrases from the Declaration of Independence: "All men are created equal," and "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness."
2013 Report Shows Increase in Federal and State Wiretaps
Published onJuly 2, 2014
The number of federal and state wiretaps authorized in 2013 increased 5 percent over 2012, with telephone wiretaps the most common form of surveillance. As of December 31, 2013, 709 persons had been convicted as a result of authorized interceptions, up 56 percent from 2012.
Eastern District of New York Looks to Mediators to Expedite Sandy Cases
Published onJune 26, 2014
In 2012, Super Storm Sandy destroyed an estimated 650,000 homes and affected over 300,000 businesses along the Atlantic seaboard. Affected homeowners and businesses have filed over 1,000 Super Storm Sandy-related insurance coverage actions in the Eastern District of New York. That number is expected to double or even triple in the coming months.
On Topic: Fergus Falls Courthouse Named in Honor of Judge Devitt
Published onJune 19, 2014
The Fergus Falls Courthouse in Minnesota recently was renamed to honor one of the most distinguished federal jurists – Judge Edward J. Devitt.
WWII Profile: Leonard D. Wexler
Published onJune 16, 2014
In this interview, U.S. District Judge Leonard D. Wexler of the Eastern District of New York recounts his World War II combat experience and subsequent judicial career. Judge Wexler, who sits in Central Islip, N.Y., served as a private in the U.S. Army from 1943-1945.
WWII Profile: Arthur L. Alarcon
Published onJune 16, 2014
In this audio interview, U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Arthur L. Alarcon of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit recounts his World War II combat experience and subsequent judicial career. Judge Alarcon, who sits in Los Angeles, served in the U.S. Army from 1943-1946, retiring as a staff sergeant.
WWII Profile: Dickinson R. Debevoise
Published onJune 16, 2014
In this audio interview, U.S. District Judge Dickinson R. Debevoise of the District of New Jersey recounts his World War II combat experience and subsequent judicial career. Judge Debeboise, who sits in Newark, N.J., served in the U.S. Army from 1943-1945, retiring as a sergeant.
WWII Profile: S. Arthur Spiegel
Published onJune 16, 2014
In this audio interview, U.S. District Judge S. Arthur Spiegel of the Southern District of Ohio recounts his World War II combat experience and subsequent judicial career. Judge Spiegel, who sits in Cincinnati, served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1942-1946, retiring as a Captain.
WWII Profile: Tom Stagg
Published onJune 16, 2014
In this audio interview, U.S. District Judge Tom Stagg of the Western District of Louisiana recounts his World War II combat experience and subequent judicial career. Judge Stagg, who sits in Shreveport, La., served in the U.S. Army from 1943-1946, retiring as an infantry captain.
WWII Profile: I. Leo Glasser
Published onJune 16, 2014
In this interview, U.S. District Judge I. Leo Glasser of the Eastern District of New York recounts his World War II combat experience and subsequent judicial career. Judge Glasser, who sits in Brooklyn, served in the U.S. Army from 1943-1946, retiring as a Tech Corporal.
WWII Profile: Jack B. Weinstein
Published onJune 16, 2014
In this interview, U.S. District Judge Jack B. Weinstein of the Eastern District of New York recounts his World War II combat experience and subsequent judicial career. Judge Weinstein, who sits in Brooklyn, served in the U.S. Navy from 1943-1946, retiring as a Lieutenant.