Judiciary News

Magistrate judges play an important role in the judicial process, helping district judges in criminal and civil matters by handling complaints, issuing search warrants, holding preliminary hearings, and much more.

Federal courts around the country sponsored a variety of events to commemorate Law Day during the month of May, a tradition celebrating the rule of law in the United States that dates to the Eisenhower administration.  

An effort to spruce up a courthouse display case with photos from a naturalization ceremony quickly became something more--an opportunity for the District of Maine to share the joy of 39 new citizens with their friends and families around the globe. 

This week is Juror Appreciation Week, and federal courts across the country are honoring citizens for their participation and raising awareness about the importance of jury service.

In an effort to bolster civil discourse and good decision-making in the next generation of jurors and engaged citizens, federal judges are hosting high school and college students in their courtrooms to observe, learn, and practice critical life skills.

Bankruptcy filings fell by 1.8 percent for the 12-month period ending March 31, 2018, compared with the year ending March 31, 2017. 

Representatives of the federal Judiciary today asked Congress to provide $7.22 billion in fiscal year 2019 to fund continuing operations of the judicial branch. The request includes funding to sustain cybersecurity initiatives and ensure sufficient security at federal courthouses.

April is Financial Literacy Month, and bankruptcy courts across the country are doing what they can to foster greater awareness of the benefits of informed personal-finance planning and decision-making.

The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee revisits Martin Luther King, Jr.,'s last legal battle.

The daily fee paid to federal jurors will increase for the first time since 1990, private attorneys appointed to represent indigents will receive an hourly rate increase, and the General Services Administration will get $437 million to build three urgently needed courthouse projects, as a result of funding included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2018.

Nearly 20 reforms and improvements have been implemented or are under development to help address workplace conduct concerns in the federal judiciary, James C. Duff, Chair of the Federal Judiciary Workplace Conduct Working Group, reported today at the biannual meeting of the Judicial Conference.

The Judiciary confronted many challenges in 2017 that reinforced the importance and value of court employees working together through “a coordinated and unified approach.” That was the message from James C. Duff, the director of the Administrative Office on the U.S. Courts, in his annual report on the activities and the state of business of the U.S. courts published today.

Senior Judge Carolyn Dimmick of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington earned her law degree in 1953 when female lawyers were rare and, so too, were opportunities for them. In honor of Women’s History Month, a new video profile explores the highlights and challenges of Judge Dimmick’s groundbreaking and highly distinguished career.

Just the Facts is a feature that highlights issues and trends in the Judiciary based on data collected by the Judiciary Data and Analysis Office (JDAO) of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. 

The Litigation Academy, created by the district court in Rhode Island in partnership with a local law school and bar association, is turning a federal courtroom into a classroom for local lawyers to develop courtroom skills.