Judiciary News
2014 Rule Shortens Sentences for 26,000 Inmates
Published onApril 14, 2016
A 2014 change in federal drug sentencing guidelines has led to an unprecedented number of inmates receiving shortened prison terms, according to data from a new U.S. Sentencing Commission study.
OKC Learning Center Brings U.S. Courts to Life
Published onApril 7, 2016
A new judicial learning center and museum located in Oklahoma City is teaching schoolchildren and the general public about federal courts and the rule of law.
Study Reveals Differences in Substantial Assistance Reductions
Published onMarch 31, 2016
A new U.S. Sentencing Commission study of sentence reductions for cooperating offenders reveals substantial differences in two ways offenders receive credit for their assistance.
Court Scams Affect Citizens Nationwide
Published onMarch 29, 2016
Across the United States, individuals posing as federal court officials and U.S. Marshals are targeting citizens, threatening them with arrest unless they pay.
Courts, GSA Collaborate to Improve Service, Cut Costs
Published onMarch 24, 2016
The federal courts and the General Services Administration are moving forward with an “unprecedented collaboration” to improve property management services, in some cases in a more cost-efficient manner.
2015 Reports on Federal Courts Caseload and AO Activities Released
Published onMarch 15, 2016
Reports on the 2015 caseload of the federal courts and the activities of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts were released today.
Judicial Conference Addresses Judgeship Needs Issues
Published onMarch 15, 2016
The Judicial Conference of the United States today adopted a new system of case weights that will help it fine-tune its requests for new district judgeships; moved to seek legislation to preserve temporary bankruptcy judgeships that will lapse next year; and addressed sentencing reform legislation that would impact court workloads.
Charity Starts at Home for Illinois Court
Published onMarch 10, 2016
The Southern District of Illinois is committed to involvement in their local community through a variety of ways including tutoring children and working with the local food pantry. Learn why it's so important for this community in East St. Louis, Illinois.
Judiciary Reins in Property Costs, House Panel Told
Published onMarch 1, 2016
The federal Judiciary is actively trimming costs for courthouses and office space, and is working to ensure that recently appropriated funds for eight courthouse construction projects will be spent efficiently, a House subcommittee was told by the head of the Judiciary’s Space and Facilities Committee.
Judge Urges Teens With Adult Burdens to Focus on Future
Published onFebruary 23, 2016
In a new U.S. Courts video, U.S. District Court Judge Lorna G. Schofield, New York City, tells how she coped with the adult responsibilities of growing up with a chronically ill mother. She encourages teens to take the long view: “You can make a completely different life for yourself. And it’s important to remember that when things just seem too hard right now.”
Judiciary Transmits Fiscal Year 2017 Budget Request to Congress
Published onFebruary 12, 2016
The federal Judiciary transmitted its fiscal year 2017 budget request to Congress, seeking $7.0 billion in discretionary appropriations, a 3.2 percent increase above fiscal year 2016 funding. Of that, $5.1 billion is for courts’ salaries and expenses, which fund the operating expenses of the regional circuit courts of appeals, district and bankruptcy courts, and probation and pretrial services offices.
Bankruptcy Filings Drop 10 Percent in Calendar Year 2015
Published onFebruary 4, 2016
During the 12-month period ending December 31, 2015, 844,495 cases were filed in federal bankruptcy courts, down from the 936,795 bankruptcy cases filed in calendar year 2014—a 9.9 percent drop in filings.
African American History Month: Videos Recall Judges’ Challenges
Published onJanuary 26, 2016
Profiles of seven African American federal judges, who overcame various obstacles on their path to the bench, are featured on the US Courts YouTube channel in recognition of African American history month.
Most Federal Offenders on Supervision Remain Arrest-Free
Published onJanuary 21, 2016
Approximately 80 percent of federal offenders remain free of felony arrest during their first three years back in the community after release from prison, and fewer than 15 percent of those are re-arrested for serious offenses even three years after completing their term of supervision, according to what is believed to be the largest study ever of federal offenders.
Miami Hearings Next in CJA Review
Published onJanuary 4, 2016
The next in an ongoing series of public hearings looking at the Criminal Justice Act will be held in January 2016 in Miami, Florida.