Judiciary News
Court Cook-Off For a Cause
Published onDecember 23, 2013
The District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri hosted a “Cook-off for a Cause” this month, a fund-raising event to benefit the victims of the recent Typhoon Haiyan. The court’s connection to the disaster is personal—one of their law clerks is a first generation Filipino-American who has many close family members in the Philippines.
Tool Helps Probation Officers Reduce Future Criminal Behavior
Published onDecember 19, 2013
The duty of probation officers is to protect the community and foster long-term positive changes in the conduct of offenders. A critical component of these practices is the Post-Conviction Risk Assessment (PCRA)
Focus on what you can do, Advises Judge with MS
Published onDecember 16, 2013
Multiple sclerosis has taken away Judge Ronald M. Gould’s use of his arms and his legs. But Gould, who serves on the Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in Seattle, does not let the disease dampen his passion for justice.
On Bill of Rights Day, Test Your Knowledge
Published onDecember 12, 2013
December 15 marks the 222nd anniversary of the Bill of Rights. Test your knowledge about the first 10 amendments.
25 Years Later, PACER, Electronic Filing Continue to Change Courts
Published onDecember 9, 2013
In September 1988, the Judicial Conference of the United States approved a new way of opening information to the public, through a service known as PACER—Public Access to Court Electronic Records.
Appellate Court Saves Money by Making Chambers Space Go Farther
Published onDecember 4, 2013
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit had a problem. With four appellate judges in its Philadelphia courthouse approaching senior status, there wasn’t enough room to construct chambers for the new judges who would fill their seats.
Restored Historic Court Records Are Returned to Virgin Islands
Published onNovember 26, 2013
A once-decaying book of court records, dating to before the American Revolution, has been painstakingly repaired and returned to federal court officials in the Virgin Islands.
Four Non-Resident Court Facilities to Close in Cost-Cutting Move
Published onNovember 20, 2013
Four non-resident court facilities are being closed in the final months of 2013, as part of a continuing effort to reduce federal Judiciary expenses.
64 Federal Courts Now Publish Opinions on FDsys
Published onNovember 13, 2013
A project providing free online access to federal court opinions has expanded to include 64 courts. The federal Judiciary and the Government Printing Office partner through the GPO’s Federal Digital System, FDsys, to provide public access to more than 750,000 opinions, many dating back to 2004.
Construction Wraps Up on John Roll Courthouse
Published onNovember 8, 2013
Major construction is complete on the John M. Roll United States Courthouse, and the Yuma, Ariz., building is expected to be open for judicial business in mid-December.
Crossing the Line Saves Two Probation Offices Money and Manpower
Published onNovember 5, 2013
When two chief probation officers in neighboring states crossed district lines, the Judiciary saved money and personnel.
For Federal Courts, Shutdown Caused Broad Disruptions
Published onOctober 25, 2013
The government is running again, but federal district and bankruptcy courts and those who practice in them were shaken, to varying degrees, by the government’s 17-day shutdown at the start of the new fiscal year.
Bankruptcy Filings Drop 12 Percent in Fiscal Year 2013
Published onOctober 24, 2013
Bankruptcy cases filed in federal courts for fiscal year 2013—the 12-month period ending September 30, 2013—totaled 1,107,699, down 12 percent from the 1,261,140 bankruptcy cases filed in FY 2012, according to statistics released today by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.
2012 Report Shows More Repeat Bankruptcy Filers
Published onOctober 22, 2013
During calendar year 2012, 1.1 million bankruptcy petitions were filed by individuals with primarily consumer debt. Filers had a median average monthly income of $2,743, most filed under chapter 7, and for more debtors in 2012 this was not the first time they had filed for bankruptcy.