Judiciary News
Searching for Minority Juror Representation in a Changing Community
Published onAugust 28, 2013
The Eastern District of Michigan had a problem. Although studies showed the court's juror selection process did not systematically exclude racial minorities, the court recognized there was insufficient minority representation.
Juror Scams Reported in 3 U.S. Court Districts
Published onAugust 21, 2013
Juror scams have been reported in three federal court districts, where victims are falsely being told they missed jury duty and must pay a fine or face arrest.
Reappraisal of Records Saving Millions for Judiciary
Published onAugust 20, 2013
When fully implemented, a new standard for archiving and disposing of federal court case files will allow the Judiciary to reduce its storage volume by just under one million boxes—enough to fill 16 football fields—at an annual saving of approximately $3 million.
Judiciary Imposes Temporary Rate Reduction for Court-Appointed Lawyers
Published onAugust 19, 2013
In an emergency move to preserve Federal Defender staffing in FY 2014, the Executive Committee of the Judicial Conference of the United States has reduced hourly rates for court-appointed panel attorneys by $15 an hour.
87 U.S. Chief Judges Appeal to Congress for Funding Help
Published onAugust 15, 2013
Describing themselves as "the boots on the ground in our nation's federal trial courts," 87 chief U.S. District judges have sent a letter to Congressional leaders stating that reduced funding and sequestration have "...forced us to slash our operations to the bone."
Federal Courthouses Compete in National Energy Competition
Published onAugust 8, 2013
A New Jersey federal courthouse placed in the top 10 of biggest losers in a national competition—and that’s good news. By reducing its energy needs by 37 percent over the last year, the Martin Luther King Jr. Courthouse in Newark was a winner in the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s Energy Star National Building Competition. In 2012, more than 3,000 buildings competed to save energy and money.
Bankruptcy Filings Down 13 Percent in June 2013
Published onAugust 1, 2013
Bankruptcy filings for the 12-month period ending June 30, 2013, fell 13 percent when compared to bankruptcy filings for the 12-month period ending June 30, 2012, according to statistics released today by the Administrative Office of the U.S.
Senate Hearing Is Warned of Lasting Damage to Courts
Published onJuly 25, 2013
In a congressional hearing on sequestration and the courts, a U.S. judge, federal defender and a private lawyer warned Senators that continued budget cuts would devastate the nation’s system of justice—threatening public safety, constitutional rights and economic well-being.
Funding Crisis Strikes Throughout Federal Courts, Judge Tells Senate Panel
Published onJuly 23, 2013
A federal judge today told a Senate panel that the number of personnel working in U.S. courts is at the lowest level since 1999, and that federal court clerks and probation and pretrial services staff could be furloughed for close to 70,000 hours this fiscal year.
When Cities Go Bankrupt
Published onJuly 19, 2013
The City of Detroit has declared bankruptcy under Chapter 9 of the Bankruptcy Code. Chapter 9 provides for reorganization of municipalities, which includes cities and towns, as well as villages, counties, taxing districts, municipal utilities, and school districts
Supervision Costs Significantly Less than Incarceration in Federal System
Published onJuly 18, 2013
In 2012, the cost of placing an offender in a Bureau of Prisons institution or federal residential reentry center was roughly eight times the cost of placing the same offender under post-conviction supervision by a federal probation officer.
New Guide for Judges in Expanding Area of International Arbitration
Published onJuly 15, 2013
A new guide on international commercial arbitration written for U.S. federal judges is now available online. In less than 100 pages, it offers a practical overview of a complicated area of law that has become the preferred means of resolving cross-border business disputes.
Computer Warning Seeking Money Is Scam, U.S. Courts Say
Published onJuly 10, 2013
A computer virus that locks up personal computers, and then issues a demand for money from the Department of Justice and the U.S. Courts, is a scam and has no link to the courts or other federal agencies.
2012 Wiretap Report: Drug Offenses Most Frequent Surveillance Target
Published onJune 28, 2013
In calendar year 2012, a total of 3,395 orders authorizing the interception of wire, oral, or electronic communications, or wiretaps, were approved by state and federal judges. The Administrative Office of the United States Courts (AO) is required by statute to report to Congress the number of federal and state applications for orders authorizing or approving wiretaps.
PACER Survey Shows Rise in User Satisfaction
Published onJune 25, 2013
PACER has seen a sharp rise in overall user satisfaction since a comparable survey was conducted in 2009, with 90 percent of users saying they are satisfied or highly satisfied with the internet-based public case information system.