Judiciary News
New ‘Court Shorts’ Video Details Right to Counsel
Published onAugust 7, 2014
A new “Court Shorts” video, focusing on the Sixth Amendment right to counsel, has been released by the federal judiciary, expanding a series of short video and audio podcasts that teach young people about our nation’s Constitution, courts and individual rights.
Public Alert: New Juror Scam Seeks Personal Data
Published onJuly 31, 2014
A new juror scam email, which fraudulently seeks personal information that could aid identity theft, has been reported in at least 14 federal court districts.
Bankruptcy Filings Down 12 Percent in June 2014
Published onJuly 30, 2014
Bankruptcy filings for the 12-month period ending June 30, 2014, fell 12 percent when compared to bankruptcy filings for the 12-month period ending June 30, 2013, according to new statistics released by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.
Survey Finds Infrequent Social Media Use by Jurors
Published onJuly 29, 2014
Social media use by jurors, and the problems resulting from it, remains a relatively infrequent occurrence, according to a survey of U.S. district judges.
2013 Report Shows Fewer Debtor Assets, More Repeat Bankruptcy Filers
Published onJuly 24, 2014
Individuals filing for bankruptcy in 2013 reported fewer assets, lower total liabilities, and lower median income when compared to filers in the preceding year, according to a report recently filed by the federal Judiciary with Congress. The report also found that in 2013 a greater proportion of debtors were repeat filers.
Bankruptcy Court Move in Miami to Save $1.1 Million Annually
Published onJuly 22, 2014
In a space-cutting move that will save the judiciary more than $1 million a year in rent and security costs, the federal bankruptcy court in Miami is moving into a nearby district court building.
Retroactive Sentence Reductions Don't Increase Recidivism
Published onJuly 18, 2014
The U.S. Sentencing Commission recommended to retroactively apply lower drug guideline ranges for previously sentenced offenders.
John Seigenthaler: 'Cherished Friend' of Judges and Journalists
Published onJuly 17, 2014
Beginning 15 years ago, noted publisher and First Amendment advocate John Seigenthaler met annually with groups of journalists and federal judges in an effort to help them better understand each other. By all accounts, Seigethaler, who died July 11, 2014, made great progress.
Task Force Urged to Curb Over-Federalization of Criminal Law
Published onJuly 11, 2014
The Judicial Conference supports criminal justice reforms intended to ease prison crowding, but a federal judge told a House task force that that the Judiciary currently lacks the resources to shoulder resulting increased workload.
On Topic: Judge Gelpi Discusses Federal Bar Association
Published onJuly 8, 2014
U.S. District Judge Gustavo Gelpi, Jr., is the first Article III federal judge to serve as president of the Federal Bar Association. In a new “On Topic” audio interview, he explains the association’s role in defending federal courts.
July Fourth Video: What Does Independence Mean to You?
Published onJuly 3, 2014
In celebration of July Fourth, citizens, attorneys and federal judges from across the country reflect on what independence means and how the U.S. courts protect their freedoms. In a brief video, participants from Washington, New York City and San Francisco also share their thoughts on two key phrases from the Declaration of Independence: "All men are created equal," and "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness."
2013 Report Shows Increase in Federal and State Wiretaps
Published onJuly 2, 2014
The number of federal and state wiretaps authorized in 2013 increased 5 percent over 2012, with telephone wiretaps the most common form of surveillance. As of December 31, 2013, 709 persons had been convicted as a result of authorized interceptions, up 56 percent from 2012.
Eastern District of New York Looks to Mediators to Expedite Sandy Cases
Published onJune 26, 2014
In 2012, Super Storm Sandy destroyed an estimated 650,000 homes and affected over 300,000 businesses along the Atlantic seaboard. Affected homeowners and businesses have filed over 1,000 Super Storm Sandy-related insurance coverage actions in the Eastern District of New York. That number is expected to double or even triple in the coming months.
On Topic: Fergus Falls Courthouse Named in Honor of Judge Devitt
Published onJune 19, 2014
The Fergus Falls Courthouse in Minnesota recently was renamed to honor one of the most distinguished federal jurists – Judge Edward J. Devitt.
WWII Profile: Leonard D. Wexler
Published onJune 16, 2014
In this interview, U.S. District Judge Leonard D. Wexler of the Eastern District of New York recounts his World War II combat experience and subsequent judicial career. Judge Wexler, who sits in Central Islip, N.Y., served as a private in the U.S. Army from 1943-1945.