Judiciary News
'All too frequent tragedies demand action to improve judicial security,' Judge tells Judicial Conference
Published onSeptember 15, 2020
“Four federal judges and three family members have been killed since 1979. These horrific tragedies must stop,” Judge David W. McKeague told the Judicial Conference of the United States today.
Judges Help Students Focus on Meaning of Constitution and Citizenship Day
Published onSeptember 14, 2020
Federal judges from New York to California are creating online civics opportunities throughout September to help students honor Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, despite the termination of courthouse trips and classroom visits due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Courts Making Juror Safety a Top Priority
Published onSeptember 10, 2020
A small group of judges around the country have presided over jury trials during the COVID-19 pandemic. The number is growing as the backlog of criminal cases becomes an increasing concern among courts acutely aware that defendants are entitled to a fair, impartial, and timely trial.
Congress Urged to Adopt Judicial Security Measures
Published onSeptember 9, 2020
Citing the recent fatal attack at the home of a federal judge in New Jersey and increasing threats against federal judges, the Judiciary has asked Congress to enact a package of safety measures that would improve security at judges’ homes and at federal courthouses.
Supreme Court Fellows Set to Begin New Term
Published onSeptember 3, 2020
Four new Supreme Court Fellows are set to begin their 2020-2021 fellowships in September working virtually, due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Federal Judges Reinventing the Jury Trial During Pandemic
Published onAugust 27, 2020
A group of federal judges around the country are reinventing the jury trial so that it is not only a fair forum for the administration of justice, but also a safe experience for everyone in the courtroom, including defendants and jurors.
Judiciary Report Underscores Commitment to Civics Education
Published onAugust 26, 2020
Federal courts are approaching the 2020-2021 academic year with an endorsement of volunteer civics education efforts by judges and a willingness to support teachers in bringing the human face of the Judiciary into their civics and government classes, whether students are at home or in school.
Courthouse Closures for Hurricane Laura
Published onAugust 26, 2020
Federal courthouses in Louisiana are closed due to the effects of Hurricane Laura.
As Courts Restore Operations, COVID-19 Creates a New Normal
Published onAugust 20, 2020
When coronavirus (COVID-19) cases spiked in March, court practices changed almost overnight, relying on virtual hearings that make it possible to conduct most court-related activities without coming to the building. Now, with courts seeking to restore in-person proceedings, one thing already is clear: Justice in a pandemic environment will have a very different look and feel.
Defenders Work to Ensure Due Process Amid Pandemic
Published onAugust 19, 2020
Of the many challenges that the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has imposed on the ongoing operations of federal courts, some of the toughest are being faced by federal defenders, who are on the front lines working to overcome unprecedented threats to their clients’ safety and constitutional rights.
Judicial Conference Approves Measures to Increase Security for Federal Judges
Published onAugust 14, 2020
A series of recommendations to upgrade and expand security for federal judges and increase Congressional funding to support the security program have been approved by the federal Judiciary’s national policy-making body.
Judges, Lawyers Bring Life Skills to Virtual Classroom Activities for Home and School
Published onAugust 6, 2020
High school teachers can bring real-life civics into their virtual lessons when they invite federal judges and volunteer attorneys to facilitate a civil discourse and decision-making simulation with students at home or in the classroom this fall.
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.