Judiciary News
Judge Tanya Chutkan 'Developed a Thick Skin' to Overcome Race-Based Comments
Published onFebruary 24, 2022
In recognition of African American History Month, U.S. District Judge Tanya S. Chutkan shared her experiences at a program for public defense attorneys and members of the legal community.
African American Heritage Spotlight: Judge Lydia Griggsby
Published onFebruary 17, 2022
Judge Lydia K. Griggsby said it’s the “honor of my career” to sit on the federal bench in Baltimore and serve the community “that raised me and nurtured me as a young girl.” She is the first woman of color to serve as a district judge for the U.S. District Court of Maryland.
Bankruptcy Filings Drop 24 Percent
Published onFebruary 4, 2022
Bankruptcy filings fell again for the 12-month period ending Dec. 31, 2021. A steady decline in filings has continued since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
District Court Gives Students Insider’s View of the Judiciary, Careers in Law
Published onFebruary 3, 2022
As a teenager, Taisha Sturdivant was a bright kid who loved to read, yet her circumstances conspired to limit her future prospects. With the help of mentors and her own determination, she enrolled in an interactive fellowship with the Massachusetts federal court. Today, she is a successful real estate attorney specializing in affordable housing.
Omicron Puts Strain on Jury Trials
Published onJanuary 25, 2022
After more than a year of working to conduct justice in the face of a global pandemic, federal courts are being buffeted by omicron, whose rapid speed of transmission is making jury trials more vulnerable to COVID-19 interruptions.
Judiciary Urges Dialogue on Electronic Case Files Bills, Seeks Delay in Action
Published onJanuary 13, 2022
The Judiciary sent letters to Congress this week urging lawmakers to defer action on pending bills affecting the federal courts’ electronic records management system until a “meaningful two-way dialogue” between the two branches of government can take place to resolve important concerns.
Chief Justice Roberts Issues 2021 Year-End Report
Published onDecember 31, 2021
Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr., has issued his 2021 Year-End Report on the Federal Judiciary.
On Bill of Rights Day, Mary Beth Tinker Encourages Students to ‘Speak up’
Published onDecember 14, 2021
To mark the anniversary of the Bill of Rights, on Dec. 15, Vietnam War protester Mary Beth Tinker Tinker will participate virtually in a ceremony prior to installing the armband in its temporary home in the Judicial Learning Center at the Thomas F. Eagleton U.S. Courthouse in St. Louis.
Judicial Security Bill Advances: Judge Who Lost Son Urges Final Passage
Published onDecember 2, 2021
A bill to protect federal judges and their families from threats and attacks has advanced to the full Senate, and a U.S. district judge from New Jersey, whose son was slain by an angry litigant, urged Congress to pass the legislation without delay.
Judge Ada Brown Encourages People to Embrace Their Diversity
Published onNovember 22, 2021
Judge Ada Brown is the first woman of African American heritage to serve as a district judge in the Northern District of Texas, in the over 140-year history of the court. She also is one of just a handful of individuals with Native American ancestry to ever become a federal judge.
Just the Facts: Insurance Case Filings Spike After Natural Disasters
Published onNovember 16, 2021
In the U.S. district courts, filings of civil cases involving insurance typically have surged following weather catastrophes. Over the past 20 years, devastating hurricanes and severe floods have resulted in the Eastern District of Louisiana processing the most insurance cases of any district court.
Judge J. Clifford Wallace Honored for Advancing Rule of Law
Published onNovember 15, 2021
Judge J. Clifford Wallace, a federal judge who has advised judiciaries in more than 70 countries during his half-century on the bench, has been selected to receive the 2022 Susan and Carl Bolch Jr. Prize for the Rule of Law. He will be honored during a ceremony in San Diego on March 18, 2022.
Veterans of the Law: Many in Judiciary Celebrate JAG Service
Published onNovember 10, 2021
As America honors Veterans Day, many federal judges have a special link to the Judge Advocate General’s Corps — better known to many as JAG. Four judges and a senior Judiciary leader recall their experiences as military lawyers.
Bankruptcy Filings Continue to Fall Sharply
Published onNovember 8, 2021
Personal and business bankruptcy filings fell 29.1 percent for the 12-month period ending Sept. 30, 2021. A steady decline in filings has continued since the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis began.
Judiciary Takes Action to Ensure High Ethical Standards and Transparency
Published onOctober 26, 2021
Judge Jennifer Walker Elrod testified before a House subcommittee today to describe judges’ recusal standards and case conflict screening process that help judges maintain high ethical standards.