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Judiciary News

Hurricane Ida Courthouse Closures

Published onAugust 30, 2021

Federal courthouses along the Gulf Coast are closed due to the effects of Hurricane Ida.

Judiciary Informs Congress of Its Opposition to Bill

Published onAugust 25, 2021

The Judiciary has informed Congress that it opposes the proposed Judiciary Accountability Act. In a letter to key lawmakers today, Judge Roslynn R. Mauskopf, secretary of the Judicial Conference of the United States, wrote that the bill “fails to recognize the robust safeguards that have been in place within the Judiciary to protect Judiciary employees, including law clerks, from wrongful conduct in the workplace, including protections against discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and abusive conduct.”

Judiciary Renews Calls for Security Funding

Published onAugust 16, 2021

Judiciary leaders are expressing deep concern that Congress has failed to provide funding to protect federal judges and courthouses, and are urging House and Senate leaders to appropriate money to address a “worsening” safety environment.

Comments Invited on Proposed Rules for Future Emergencies

Published onAugust 9, 2021

The bench, bar, and public have been asked to provide comments on a series of proposed rules that would, if approved, guide the Judiciary in responding to future declared emergencies that impair federal court operations. The proposals include amendments to Appellate Rules 2 and 4, and new emergency Bankruptcy, Civil, and Criminal Rules.

Bankruptcy Filings Plunged to Lowest Number Since 1985

Published onAugust 4, 2021

Personal and business bankruptcy filings plummeted 32.2 percent for the 12-month period ending June 30, 2021. The number of filings was the lowest in a 12-month period since 1985.

New York Court Eases Return into Community After Prison

Published onJuly 27, 2021

Federal judges and court staff in Manhattan recently celebrated two dozen individuals’ successful transition back into the community after prison, thanks to a specialized program to help high-risk former offenders maintain crime-free lives.

Judiciary Seeks $1.54 Billion for Infrastructure

Published onJuly 20, 2021

Citing “crucial infrastructure needs for courthouse security, courthouse construction, and information technology,” the Judiciary is asking Congress for $1.54 billion as part of any infrastructure bill enacted by the legislative branch.

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.”