Judiciary News
Judiciary Affirms Need for Bill to Protect Federal Judges
Published onJuly 14, 2021
The federal Judiciary has voiced its support for newly introduced legislation to protect federal judges, saying action by Congress is needed to prevent tragedies like the one a year ago when the son of a judge in New Jersey was shot and killed by a disgruntled litigant.
Judges Welcome New Americans at Wrigley Field
Published onJuly 8, 2021
In the friendly confines of Wrigley Field, two federal judges welcomed 172 immigrants from 45 countries as newly minted United States citizens, during an Independence Day weekend naturalization ceremony hosted at the home of the Chicago Cubs, on Friday, July 2.
2020 Wiretap Report: Intercepts and Convictions Decrease
Published onJune 28, 2021
Federal and state courts reported a combined 26 percent decrease in authorized wiretaps in 2020, compared with 2019, according to the Judiciary’s 2020 Wiretap Report. Convictions in cases involving electronic surveillance also decreased.
Judge Jack Weinstein Mourned as Champion of Justice
Published onJune 25, 2021
Since the death of Judge Jack B. Weinstein on June 15 at age 99, his legendary life and legal career have been celebrated by fellow judges, who hailed him as a role model and champion of justice, and others of more humble standing who remember him as an “incredibly thoughtful” gentleman who stood up for “little guys.”
Court Intervention Teams Target Substance Abuse
Published onJune 23, 2021
Two specialized programs in the Northern District of California are harnessing local resources to help high-risk individuals rebuild their lives.
Robert Katzmann, Judge and Civics Advocate, Dies at 68
Published onJune 10, 2021
Robert A. Katzmann, a former chief judge of the Second Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals and a tireless, impassioned advocate of civics education, died June 9. He was 68.
U.S. Judicial Conference Urges Senate to Back Security Funding
Published onJune 9, 2021
Citing a growing danger to federal judges and courthouses, the Judicial Conference of the United States has asked the U.S. Senate to support a total of $182.5 million in supplemental funding to bolster security.
As COVID-19 Cases Fall, Juries Get Back to Work
Published onMay 27, 2021
As coronavirus (COVID-19) case totals continue to decline in the United States, federal courts are rapidly expanding the number of jury trials and other in-person proceedings.
Judges Appreciate Jurors as Their Partners in Justice
Published onMay 13, 2021
In a new, five-minute installment in the Court Shorts video series, 11 federal judges bring attention to the central role of citizens in maintaining public trust in the justice system.
Judges Learn Students’ Perspectives in Law Day Events
Published onMay 6, 2021
Federal judges are creating opportunities throughout May for critical thinking and candid conversations with students about the rule of law, as part of the Judiciary’s annual observance of Law Day.
New Bankruptcy Filings Plummet 38.1 Percent
Published onMay 3, 2021
Bankruptcy filings dropped 38.1 percent for the 12-month period ending March 31, 2021, a dramatic fall that coincided with the coronavirus (COVID-19), which first disrupted the economy in March 2020.
Judges Focus on Diversity in Clerkship, Internship Hiring
Published onApril 29, 2021
Federal judges are working to make highly sought-after law clerkships and judicial internships more accessible to a diverse pool of law students.
Judge Honors Mother’s Adversity, Sacrifice by Women
Published onApril 15, 2021
In a highly personal talk, Judge Paula Xinis recounts how two women inspired her career in the law through their different battles with adversity: Sojourner Truth, an abolitionist who escaped from slavery, and Xinis’ mother.
Defenders Navigate Uncharted Territory During Pandemic
Published onMarch 25, 2021
Working on the front lines of justice amid the pandemic, federal defenders are navigating uncharted territory as they work to maintain virtual access to clients in detention facilities and participate in socially distanced trials and hearings.
Judiciary Releases Annual Report and Judicial Business 2020
Published onMarch 16, 2021
Along with the rest of America, the Judiciary confronted significant challenges in 2020, led by the need to meet its constitutional obligations amid a deadly global pandemic. Federal courts learned to keep operations going, despite restricted access to courthouses, with a quickly evolving reliance on technology and the resilience of a 30,000-strong workforce, according to the Annual Report of the Director Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (AO).