Judiciary News
Smoke Tests Protect Courtroom Air From COVID-19
Published onMarch 4, 2021
Even as vaccines begin to protect the public from the coronavirus (COVID-19), one of the Judiciary’s biggest priorities is ensuring that the air inside courtrooms and hallways remains safe as courts schedule more in-person legal proceedings.
A new U.S. Courts video highlights a simple technique used to protect court users: a smoke test, which makes air currents inside buildings visible.
Leon DeKalb: U.S. Probation’s First Black Officer
Published onFebruary 25, 2021
Leon Elmer DeKalb made history nearly 80 years ago when he became the first African American probation officer in the federal court system.
Judiciary Seeks 2022 Funding, Cites Caseload Resurgence and Security Needs
Published onFebruary 24, 2021
Federal Judiciary officials have asked Congress for $8.12 billion to fund judicial branch operations for fiscal year 2022. The request includes funding to keep pace with inflationary and other budget adjustments, and to pay for program increases, including projected workload changes, courthouse security, cybersecurity, and new magistrate judges.
As Pandemic Lingers, Courts Lean Into Virtual Technology
Published onFebruary 18, 2021
As the coronavirus (COVID-19) has dragged on, a small number of courts have begun conducting virtual bench trials and even virtual civil jury trials in which jurors work from home. Here is a review of ways courts are using electronic communications to deliver justice during the pandemic.
Just the Facts: Trends in Pro Se Civil Litigation from 2000 to 2019
Published onFebruary 11, 2021
Most federal pro se cases are civil actions filed by persons serving time in prison. Pro se prisoner petitions spiked in 2016 after a pair of Supreme Court rulings made it possible for certain prisoners to petition to have their sentences vacated or remanded. Non-prisoners who file pro se actions most often raise civil rights claims.
Autherine Lucy: Failed Integration Bid Left Lasting Legacy
Published onFebruary 9, 2021
The story of Autherine Lucy, who challenged segregation at the University of Alabama in 1956, is featured in the African American History Month page. Despite a federal court ruling, Lucy’s career as a student lasted just three days. But her fight against racism still inspires African American students today.
Peter Fay, One of Three Judges in Florida Who Served 50 Years, Dies at 92
Published onFebruary 4, 2021
Peter T. Fay, one of three federal judges from Florida who each served more than 50 years after being confirmed the same day in 1970, died Sunday in Miami at the age of 92.
Annual Bankruptcy Filings Fall 29.7 Percent
Published onJanuary 28, 2021
Bankruptcy filings fell sharply for the 12-month period ending Dec. 31, 2020, despite a significant surge in unemployment related to the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Judiciary Addresses Cybersecurity Breach: Extra Safeguards to Protect Sensitive Court Records
Published onJanuary 6, 2021
After the recent disclosure of widespread cybersecurity breaches of both private sector and government computer systems, federal courts are immediately adding new security procedures to protect highly sensitive confidential documents filed with the courts.
Duff to Retire as Administrative Office Director; Judge Mauskopf Named as Successor
Published onJanuary 5, 2021
James C. Duff has announced he will retire as the director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts on Jan. 31. Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr., has appointed Chief Judge Roslynn R. Mauskopf, of the Eastern District of New York, as his successor, effective Feb. 1.
Chief Justice Roberts Issues 2020 Year-End Report
Published onDecember 31, 2020
Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr., has issued his 2020 Year-End Report on the Federal Judiciary.
Judicial Security Legislation Stalls, Awaits Congressional Action in 2021
Published onDecember 17, 2020
On Wednesday afternoon, the United States Senate considered but failed to act on the Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Act of 2020, legislation that would enhance the security protections for federal judges nationwide.
Federal Courts Participate in Audio Livestream Pilot
Published onDecember 15, 2020
Thirteen district courts around the country will livestream audio of select proceedings in civil cases of public interest next year as part of a two-year pilot program.
Judges Bring Students and Their Families an Inside Look at The Bill of Rights
Published onDecember 10, 2020
Students and parents across the Midwest gathered around computer screens set up at kitchen tables, desks, and couches to join federal judges and volunteer attorneys in an educational celebration of the Bill of Rights in advance of its Dec. 15 anniversary.
Judicial and Legislative Branches to Continue Discussions on Judiciary Case Management Bill
Published onDecember 9, 2020
The Judicial Conference of the United States expressed its opposition to the version of a bill passed by the House this week, saying it “will have devastating budgetary and operational impact on the Judiciary and our ability to serve the public” by imposing radical and costly changes on the Third Branch’s electronic case management system without adequate funding.