Judiciary News
Judicial Heroes’ Courthouses Named Landmarks
Published onAugust 7, 2015
The memories of three legendary federal judges, who overcame deep-seated southern resistance to end segregation for millions of African Americans, were honored recently when the courthouses named after them were declared national historic landmarks.
Court Takes Direct Hit From Typhoon Soudelor
Published onAugust 6, 2015
The last week of July, Gregg Miller traveled from the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts’ Washington, DC office to Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands for planning meetings on a local courthouse project. He was just in time to ride out in his hotel his first typhoon.
Courthouse, Federal Reserve Educate Teachers About Law, Economy
Published onJuly 30, 2015
An unusual partnership between the U.S. Courts and the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis has given 40 school teachers a close-up look at how the law and a healthy economy are interrelated.
Bankruptcy Filings Down 12 Percent Since Last June
Published onJuly 28, 2015
Bankruptcy filings for the 12-month period ending June 30, 2015, fell 12 percent when compared to bankruptcy filings for the 12-month period ending June 30, 2014, according to statistics released by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.
Academy Gives Probation and Pretrial Officers ‘National Identity’
Published onJuly 23, 2015
The National Training Academy, credited with giving a “national identity” to the Judiciary’s 5,000 probation and pretrial services officers, has grown dramatically since it opened 10 years ago, according to a newly released U.S. Courts video.
2014 Report Shows Fewer Debtors Filing for Bankruptcy, But More Repeat Filers
Published onJuly 21, 2015
Bankruptcy petitions filed by individuals with consumer debt were down in 2014 when compared with 2013; more individuals filed for bankruptcy protection under plans that included installment payments to creditors; and for more individuals, this wasn’t the first time they’d filed for bankruptcy in the last 8 years.
Two Senior Judges in Their Nineties Share Lifetime of Service
Published onJuly 16, 2015
As they enter their mid- to late-sixties, many in the U.S. workforce will look forward to retirement and the pursuit of other interests. When Judges Edward McManus and Don O’Brien in the Northern District of Iowa reached the ages of 65 and 69, respectively, they took senior status. But unlike the general workforce, they didn’t retire. Decades later, they’re still on the job.
Ten Years of Online Clerkship Hiring
Published onJuly 8, 2015
Ten years and approximately 9,000 clerkship position postings ago, the federal Judiciary launched the Online System for Clerkship Applications and Review, or OSCAR. The information and application system created a transparent online law clerk hiring process for applicants and law schools, while giving federal judges a way to communicate their hiring practices and timelines.
2014 Wiretap Report: Intercept Applications Down Slightly
Published onJuly 1, 2015
The number of federal and state wiretaps authorized in 2014 decreased 1 percent from 2013. The most serious offense under investigation in 89 percent of all applications for intercepts was illegal drugs.
Celebrating 50 Years of the Criminal Justice Act
Published onJune 25, 2015
A recent public symposium celebrated 50 years of the Criminal Justice Act with panels on the challenges, choices and commitments of federal defense efforts, and what can be learned from effective defense practices outside the United States.
Did You Know? Imprisonment Costs 8 times More Than Supervision
Published onJune 18, 2015
Community supervision of federal offenders continues to cost significantly less than incarceration, according to FY 2014 data provided by the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service and the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.
CJA Study Committee Begins Accepting Comments
Published onJune 8, 2015
An Ad Hoc Committee to conduct a comprehensive and impartial review of the administration and operation of the Criminal Justice Act (CJA) has begun accepting public comments.
2014 Shows Better Use of Jurors in Federal Courts
Published onJune 4, 2015
The national average of jurors in federal district courts who were not selected, serving or challenged (NSSC) on the first day of jury service fell to 36.8 percent in 2014, compared to 37.7 percent in 2013. If you’re a potential juror, that’s very good news. It means 3,046 potential jurors were not called to the courthouse unnecessarily.
Redesign Saves Millions, Gets Courthouse Out of a Jam
Published onMay 28, 2015
For nearly 20 years, the federal courthouse in Greenbelt, Maryland, has been overcrowded. In 1996, court officials requested an expansion, and Congress eventually authorized $10 million to design a large annex building.
Who’s Taking Care of the Jurors? Helping Jurors After Traumatic Trials
Published onMay 20, 2015
Jurors may spend weeks hearing disturbing testimony and viewing graphic evidence. Unable to talk with friends or family about the case, some jurors may experience what health care professionals call secondary trauma. Federal court judges are doing what they can to help jurors, even after the trial is over.