Judiciary News
Judge Carolyn Dimmick: Women’s Advances in Law Careers Are ‘So Heartening’
Published onMarch 8, 2018
Senior Judge Carolyn Dimmick of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington earned her law degree in 1953 when female lawyers were rare and, so too, were opportunities for them. In honor of Women’s History Month, a new video profile explores the highlights and challenges of Judge Dimmick’s groundbreaking and highly distinguished career.
Just the Facts: Consumer Bankruptcy Filings, 2006-2017
Published onMarch 7, 2018
Just the Facts is a feature that highlights issues and trends in the Judiciary based on data collected by the Judiciary Data and Analysis Office (JDAO) of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.
Litigation Academy Turns Court Into a Classroom for Lawyers
Published onMarch 1, 2018
The Litigation Academy, created by the district court in Rhode Island in partnership with a local law school and bar association, is turning a federal courtroom into a classroom for local lawyers to develop courtroom skills.
Judiciary Workplace Conduct Group Seeks Law Clerk, Employee Input
Published onFebruary 21, 2018
A new mailbox on uscourts.gov is available for current and former federal Judiciary law clerks and all other employees to submit comments relating to the federal Judiciary’s policies and procedures for protecting all employees from inappropriate workplace conduct.
More Courts Use Essay Contests to Teach Lessons in Justice
Published onFebruary 15, 2018
Growing numbers of federal courts, aided by legal associations, are using essay contests to inform and inspire young people about how the Constitution and courts protect personal liberties.
Civil Rights Champion Uses Law to Fight Racism
Published onFebruary 1, 2018
Long before President Lyndon B. Johnson appointed him to the federal bench, Judge Damon J. Keith was a fervent champion of equal justice under the law.
Bankruptcy Filings Fall 0.7% – Smallest 12-Month Decline Since 2010
Published onJanuary 24, 2018
Bankruptcy filings in the 12-month period ending December 31, 2017, fell just 0.7 percent, compared with bankruptcy cases filed in calendar year 2016.
Judiciary Open During Government Shutdown
Published onJanuary 20, 2018
Despite a government shutdown, the federal Judiciary will remain open and can continue operations for approximately three weeks, through February 9, by using court fee balances and other funds not dependent on a new appropriation.
Courts Help Each Other Survive Hurricane Season
Published onJanuary 18, 2018
Federal courts share their stories of surviving an extreme hurricane season.
Court Declares a Settlement Week to Clear Old Caseload
Published onJanuary 12, 2018
The Western District Court of New York is one of the most congested courts in the country, receiving over 3,000 filings annually with individual judges’ caseloads at nearly 800. To reduce a long backlog of unresolved lawsuits, Chief Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr., revived a mediation strategy not used by the court since 1995: a settlement week.
Federal Judiciary Workplace Conduct Working Group Formed
Published onJanuary 12, 2018
James C. Duff, Director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, has established a Federal Judiciary Workplace Conduct Working Group to review the safeguards currently in place within the Judiciary to protect employees from inappropriate conduct in the workplace.
Providing Equal Justice Through Training
Published onJanuary 4, 2018
Lawyers reflect on how the Judiciary’s defender training program gives them the confidence and know-how to provide indigent clients with a solid defense.
Chief Justice Roberts Issues 2017 Year-End Report
Published onDecember 31, 2017
Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr., has issued his 2017 Year-End Report on the Federal Judiciary.
Federal Judicial Center Marks 50th Anniversary
Published onDecember 20, 2017
The Federal Judicial Center, which has educated generations of federal judges and provided ground-breaking research on such topics as court technology and less costly ways to resolve disputes, celebrates its 50th anniversary on Dec. 20, 2017.
New Bankruptcy Form, Rules Take Effect
Published onDecember 1, 2017
Individuals filing for bankruptcy under Chapter 13 must use a new form that presents their payment plan in a more uniform and transparent manner, and creditors will have less time to submit a proof of claim, under new bankruptcy rules and form amendments that took effect Dec. 1.