Judiciary News
Federal Courthouses Compete in National Energy Competition
Published onAugust 8, 2013
A New Jersey federal courthouse placed in the top 10 of biggest losers in a national competition—and that’s good news. By reducing its energy needs by 37 percent over the last year, the Martin Luther King Jr. Courthouse in Newark was a winner in the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s Energy Star National Building Competition. In 2012, more than 3,000 buildings competed to save energy and money.
Bankruptcy Filings Down 13 Percent in June 2013
Published onAugust 1, 2013
Bankruptcy filings for the 12-month period ending June 30, 2013, fell 13 percent when compared to bankruptcy filings for the 12-month period ending June 30, 2012, according to statistics released today by the Administrative Office of the U.S.
Senate Hearing Is Warned of Lasting Damage to Courts
Published onJuly 25, 2013
In a congressional hearing on sequestration and the courts, a U.S. judge, federal defender and a private lawyer warned Senators that continued budget cuts would devastate the nation’s system of justice—threatening public safety, constitutional rights and economic well-being.
Funding Crisis Strikes Throughout Federal Courts, Judge Tells Senate Panel
Published onJuly 23, 2013
A federal judge today told a Senate panel that the number of personnel working in U.S. courts is at the lowest level since 1999, and that federal court clerks and probation and pretrial services staff could be furloughed for close to 70,000 hours this fiscal year.
When Cities Go Bankrupt
Published onJuly 19, 2013
The City of Detroit has declared bankruptcy under Chapter 9 of the Bankruptcy Code. Chapter 9 provides for reorganization of municipalities, which includes cities and towns, as well as villages, counties, taxing districts, municipal utilities, and school districts
Supervision Costs Significantly Less than Incarceration in Federal System
Published onJuly 18, 2013
In 2012, the cost of placing an offender in a Bureau of Prisons institution or federal residential reentry center was roughly eight times the cost of placing the same offender under post-conviction supervision by a federal probation officer.
New Guide for Judges in Expanding Area of International Arbitration
Published onJuly 15, 2013
A new guide on international commercial arbitration written for U.S. federal judges is now available online. In less than 100 pages, it offers a practical overview of a complicated area of law that has become the preferred means of resolving cross-border business disputes.
Computer Warning Seeking Money Is Scam, U.S. Courts Say
Published onJuly 10, 2013
A computer virus that locks up personal computers, and then issues a demand for money from the Department of Justice and the U.S. Courts, is a scam and has no link to the courts or other federal agencies.
2012 Wiretap Report: Drug Offenses Most Frequent Surveillance Target
Published onJune 28, 2013
In calendar year 2012, a total of 3,395 orders authorizing the interception of wire, oral, or electronic communications, or wiretaps, were approved by state and federal judges. The Administrative Office of the United States Courts (AO) is required by statute to report to Congress the number of federal and state applications for orders authorizing or approving wiretaps.
PACER Survey Shows Rise in User Satisfaction
Published onJune 25, 2013
PACER has seen a sharp rise in overall user satisfaction since a comparable survey was conducted in 2009, with 90 percent of users saying they are satisfied or highly satisfied with the internet-based public case information system.
Q&A: After 100 Years, American Judicature Society Still Advocating for Courts
Published onJune 21, 2013
In July, the American Judicature Society (AJS) celebrates its 100th year of advocacy on behalf of the courts. AJS President Dennis Courtland Hayes discusses his organization’s history and advocacy, including a recent statement urging more funding for the federal Judiciary.
New Citizens Welcomed at Aztec Ruins Naturalization Ceremony
Published onJune 19, 2013
Standing in the heart of the Aztec Ruins National Monument in northwest New Mexico, Chief Judge M. Christina Armijo of the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico administered the Oath of Allegiance this month to ten new citizens of the United States.
New Administrative Office Director Named
Published onJune 11, 2013
Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr. has appointed U.S. District Judge John D. Bates as Director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.
Law Day Events Help Students Understand Dream of Equality for All
Published onJune 3, 2013
Throughout May, federal courts brought students together under the umbrella of this year's Law Day theme, "Realizing the Dream: Equality for All."
Shared Services Help Federal Courts Weather Difficult Times
Published onMay 30, 2013
Seeking to contain costs and improve efficiency, federal courts are developing plans to voluntarily share administrative services, as explained in a Third Branch News story and Judiciary Now video.