Judiciary News
New Executive Committee Appointments
Published onFebruary 19, 2020
Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr., appointed Judge Claire V. Eagan of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma as the new chair of the Executive Committee of the Judicial Conference and appointed a new member to the committee. The new appointments were effective February 12, 2020.
Just the Facts: Intellectual Property Cases—Patent, Copyright, and Trademark
Published onFebruary 13, 2020
Over the past 20 years, the overall number of intellectual property cases filed in the U.S. courts has increased dramatically. However, after sharp increases in the early 2010s, patent infringement case filings now have started to fall, copyright case filings have fluctuated, and trademark case filings have held steady. Most intellectual property cases are concentrated in a handful of states.
Teachers Institutes at Courts Help Prepare Next Generation of Jurors
Published onFebruary 6, 2020
At more than two dozen institutes offered by courts across the country, school teachers work with federal judges, volunteer attorneys, legal scholars, and court staff to deepen their understanding of the Judiciary and ignite the interest of their students.
Bankruptcy Filings Increase Slightly
Published onJanuary 28, 2020
Bankruptcy filings increased slightly for the 12-month period ending Dec. 31, 2019, compared with cases for the year ending Dec. 31, 2018, according to statistics released by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. It was the second straight quarter that bankruptcy filings rose, after annual declines lasting nearly a decade.
How Courts Care for Jurors in High Profile Cases
Published onJanuary 24, 2020
High profile cases demand much more of jurors personally than other cases do. They can last for weeks or months, attract intense media attention, expose jurors to physical threats and emotional stress, and force them into long periods of isolation, with only their fellow jurors and court personnel for company.
How Interpreters Aid Access to Justice
Published onJanuary 16, 2020
For a criminal defendant with limited English proficiency, or who has a hearing impairment, a skilled courtroom interpreter is a vital part of the justice system. Like court-appointed attorneys, interpreters enable defendants to understand proceedings and assist in their own defense. The role of court interpreters is the theme of a newly released Knowledge Seminar video.
Federal Judges Help Students Learn Civility Skills
Published onJanuary 10, 2020
The loudest voices may prevail at a townhall meeting, at a demonstration, or in the stands at a football game, but in courtrooms, civility and rationality win the day even when the stakes – and the emotions – are high. Civil Discourse and Difficult Decisions is a flagship program of the federal Judiciary’s outreach to students that equips them with legal and life skills needed to settle disputes successfully in a respectful way.
Members of PACER User Group Selected
Published onJanuary 9, 2020
Twelve people from diverse backgrounds in the law, media, government, and academia have been selected for a new public user group to provide advice and feedback on ways to improve the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) service and other electronic public access services provided by the Judiciary. The group is expected to hold its inaugural meeting in February.
Chief Justice Roberts Issues 2019 Year-End Report
Published onDecember 31, 2019
Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr., has issued his 2019 Year-End Report on the Federal Judiciary.
Courthouse Playroom Helps Youngsters Share American Dream
Published onDecember 18, 2019
In a typical week, federal judges in Chicago naturalize hundreds of new American citizens at the Everett M. Dirksen U.S. Courthouse. Shortly before a recent ceremony, the court opened a special welcoming space to help youngsters share in their families’ dreams.
Now Cherished, Bill of Rights Spent a Century in Obscurity
Published onDecember 12, 2019
The Bill of Rights is among our nation’s most admired documents, guaranteeing broad personal liberties and inspiring some of the federal courts’ most famous and polarizing cases.
‘Journey to Justice’: An Inside Look at Federal Criminal Trials
Published onDecember 4, 2019
A panel discussion featuring two federal judges, and a federal prosecutor and defender, aided by a video of a crime in progress, provide a probing inside look at how federal criminal trials unfold.
Building Diversity on the Bankruptcy Bench
Published onNovember 19, 2019
At a national diversity forum, federal judges sought to demystify the workings of the bankruptcy bench as a way to encourage law students and attorneys to take an interest in the practice area.
2019 Director’s Awards Presented for Leadership, Excellence, Bravery
Published onNovember 14, 2019
Employees from 10 federal courts have received the 2019 Director’s Awards, which recognize outstanding performance, innovation, and dedication by employees throughout the Judiciary each year.
Double Duty: Reflections of an Army General and Clerk of Court
Published onNovember 7, 2019
In honor of Veterans Day on Nov. 11, Marcia M. Anderson shares her rare perspective on military and civilian service.