Judiciary News
Bankruptcy Filings Fall 11.8 Percent for Year Ending June 30
Published onJuly 29, 2020
Despite a sharp rise in unemployment related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, personal and business bankruptcy filings fell 11.8 percent for the 12-month period ending June 30, 2020, according to statistics released by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.
Some Courts Slow Reopening Plans as COVID Cases Rise
Published onJuly 16, 2020
At a time when some states are backtracking on plans to restore business and government operations, a number of federal courts also are slowing plans to reopen courthouse doors as coronavirus (COVID-19) case numbers escalate in many states.
Even During COVID, Courts Find Ways to Welcome New Americans
Published onJuly 7, 2020
When the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic first forced courthouses to limit access to the general public, one of the first events to be canceled was an especially joyous rite: the naturalization of new U.S. citizens.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Response and Recovery
Published onJuly 2, 2020
Federal courts are coordinating with state and local health officials and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to obtain information about the coronavirus (COVID-19) to aid their response, recovery, and reopening efforts. Courts are regularly releasing orders to address operating status, public and employee safety, and other court business.
2019 Wiretap Report: Orders and Convictions Increase
Published onJune 30, 2020
Federal and state courts reported a combined 10 percent increase in authorized wiretaps in 2019, compared with 2018, according to the Judiciary’s 2019 Wiretap Report. Convictions in cases involving electronic surveillance also increased.
Judiciary Makes the Case for New Judgeships
Published onJune 30, 2020
The creation of new judgeships has not kept pace with the growth in case filings over three decades, producing “profound” negative effects for many courts across the country, U.S. District Judge Brian S. Miller told Congress today.
LGBTQ Judges Discuss Experiences in Pride Month Event
Published onJune 29, 2020
Five openly LGBTQ judges from different backgrounds and experiences offer insight into their lives before and after appointment to the federal bench in a new U.S. Courts video released in observance of Pride Month.
Judiciary Launches Redesigned PACER Website
Published onJune 26, 2020
The Administrative Office of the U.S Courts on June 28 will launch a redesigned informational website for the Judiciary’s electronic court records system, known as PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records).
Judge Testifies at House Hearing on Pandemic Impacts
Published onJune 25, 2020
Through a combination of advance planning, expanded use of technology, and the dedication of thousands of employees, the federal Judiciary’s response to the pandemic has enabled courts to continue to operate, while ensuring the health and safety of the public and court personnel, U.S. Senior District Judge David G. Campbell told Congress on Thursday.
Judiciary Employees Find Ways to Help During Pandemic
Published onJune 23, 2020
Learn about the countless Judiciary employees across the court system who have volunteered to help people in need in their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A New Road to Citizenship in Detroit
Published onJune 18, 2020
Federal judges in the Motor City are embracing a novel approach to welcoming people eager to take their citizenship oaths in the age of coronavirus: Drive-through naturalization ceremonies.
Virtual Internships Provide Inside Look at Court
Published onJune 16, 2020
For more than a decade, an annual summer intern program hosted by the Northern District of Alabama has given law students a vivid close-up view of the criminal and civil process.
Officers Innovate in the Field During COVID-19 Crisis
Published onJune 11, 2020
Federal probation and pretrial offices replaced many of their face-to-face operations with digital alternatives to protect the well-being of officers, the individuals they supervise, and the public, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Officers now utilize an array of telephone and video conferencing and location monitoring services, administer drug tests remotely, and facilitate telemedicine sessions to fulfill investigative and supervision duties from afar.
Judiciary Issues Report on Restarting Jury Trials
Published onJune 10, 2020
A comprehensive new report on conducting federal jury trials and convening grand juries during the pandemic details the number of factors for courts to consider, from changes to prospective juror questionnaires to creating safe spaces for jurors to deliberate safely.
Public Input Received on Possible Emergency Procedures
Published onJune 4, 2020
The Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure and its five advisory committees have posted public input that was received, regarding possible rule amendments that could ameliorate future national emergencies’ effects on court operations.