Judiciary News
Seminar on Short Trial Program Scheduled for Nevada Federal Court
Published onOctober 2, 2013
The U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada will hold a CLE seminar on its new short trial pilot program on October 9. The pilot promises an expedited trial —both early and short—in civil cases. Short trial rules (pdf) control the length of the trial, including restrictions on discovery, the use of smaller juries, and time limits for presentation of evidence.
Judiciary Open During Government Shutdown
Published onSeptember 26, 2013
Following a government shutdown on October 1, 2013, the federal Judiciary will remain open for business for approximately 10 business days. On or around October 15, 2013, the Judiciary will reassess its situation and provide further guidance.
Early Termination of Supervision Cost-Effective and Safe
Published onSeptember 24, 2013
A federal Judiciary study of early termination of supervision of low-risk offenders shows that the practice not only saves money, it does so without compromising public safety.
Judge Hogan’s Leadership and “Generous Spirit” Lauded
Published onSeptember 19, 2013
Judge Thomas F. Hogan was recently honored by the Judicial Conference of the United States for his distinguished service to the federal judiciary.
Judiciary Supports Reevaluation of Mandatory Minimum Sentences
Published onSeptember 18, 2013
The chair of the Judicial Conference Criminal Law Committee has written in support of Congress’s efforts “to review and ameliorate the deleterious and unwanted consequences spawned by mandatory minimum sentencing provisions.”
Conference Approves Additional Cost-Saving Measures
Published onSeptember 17, 2013
At its biannual meeting, the Judicial Conference approved the latest in a series of cost-cutting measures. Conference actions continue the Judiciary's decade-long cost-containment efforts that have become increasingly aggressive as sequestration triggered broad cuts in court staff and programs.
Quiz Yourself: The U.S. Constitution
Published onSeptember 12, 2013
Americans celebrate the U.S. Constitution on September 17 each year. Test your knowledge about our nation’s most historic and influential document.
Judiciary Appeals to President Obama on Funding
Published onSeptember 12, 2013
In a September 10 letter, the Judiciary has appealed to President Obama for the funding necessary in fiscal year 2014 to perform its essential constitutional functions. Without it, the federal courts face additional reductions in staff and services that will severely affect individuals and businesses seeking to resolve disputes.
Caseload Increases Stress Need for New Federal Judgeships
Published onSeptember 10, 2013
The chair of the Judicial Conference Committee on Judicial Resources told a Senate subcommittee that the judicial workforce needs to expand if the Judiciary is to continue to serve litigants efficiently and effectively.
2013-14 Program Begins for Supreme Court Fellows
Published onSeptember 5, 2013
The 2013-14 Supreme Court Fellows program begins this fall for four mid-career professionals who will have the opportunity to participate over the next year in the administration of the federal court system at the national level.
Searching for Minority Juror Representation in a Changing Community
Published onAugust 28, 2013
The Eastern District of Michigan had a problem. Although studies showed the court's juror selection process did not systematically exclude racial minorities, the court recognized there was insufficient minority representation.
Juror Scams Reported in 3 U.S. Court Districts
Published onAugust 21, 2013
Juror scams have been reported in three federal court districts, where victims are falsely being told they missed jury duty and must pay a fine or face arrest.
Reappraisal of Records Saving Millions for Judiciary
Published onAugust 20, 2013
When fully implemented, a new standard for archiving and disposing of federal court case files will allow the Judiciary to reduce its storage volume by just under one million boxes—enough to fill 16 football fields—at an annual saving of approximately $3 million.
Judiciary Imposes Temporary Rate Reduction for Court-Appointed Lawyers
Published onAugust 19, 2013
In an emergency move to preserve Federal Defender staffing in FY 2014, the Executive Committee of the Judicial Conference of the United States has reduced hourly rates for court-appointed panel attorneys by $15 an hour.
87 U.S. Chief Judges Appeal to Congress for Funding Help
Published onAugust 15, 2013
Describing themselves as "the boots on the ground in our nation's federal trial courts," 87 chief U.S. District judges have sent a letter to Congressional leaders stating that reduced funding and sequestration have "...forced us to slash our operations to the bone."