Judiciary News
Grand Juries Carry on During Pandemic
Published onOctober 27, 2020
As the federal courts have gradually resumed operations with new pandemic-era health and safety rules in place, one aspect of the courts’ mission is on a fast track: the resumption of grand jury proceedings.
Judges Share 50 Years as Colleagues and Friends
Published onOctober 23, 2020
On the same afternoon in October 1970, the Senate confirmed four new federal judges from Florida. This month, three are celebrating a half-century on the bench, as well as a strong, continuing friendship.
Judge Rya Zobel to Receive 2020 Devitt Award
Published onOctober 20, 2020
Senior U.S. District Judge Rya Zobel, who grew up in Nazi Germany and later became the first woman to serve as director of the Federal Judicial Center, is the recipient of the 2020 Edward J. Devitt Distinguished Service to Justice Award.
New Jury Instructions Strengthen Social Media Cautions
Published onOctober 1, 2020
A federal Judiciary committee has issued a new set of model jury instructions that federal judges may use to deter jurors from using social media to research or communicate about cases.
Judiciary Steps Up Calls to Enact Security Measures
Published onSeptember 22, 2020
Citing the latest act of violence this year, in which a judge’s family and officers at two federal courthouses have come under attack, the Judiciary has stepped up its call to congressional leaders for a series of safety measures “to protect the safety of the public at our nation’s courthouses.”
Facing Long Post-Hurricane Recovery, Court in La. Gets Help From Friends
Published onSeptember 21, 2020
Hurricane Laura has left a lasting impact on the Western Louisiana community of Lake Charles, and the federal courthouse could be closed a year or more. Despite the disarray, courts in New Orleans, Texas, and even Alaska have reached out to support the court’s staff in getting back on their feet.
‘All too frequent tragedies demand action to improve judicial security,’ Judge tells Judicial Conference
Published onSeptember 15, 2020
“Four federal judges and three family members have been killed since 1979. These horrific tragedies must stop,” Judge David W. McKeague told the Judicial Conference of the United States today.
Judges Help Students Focus on Meaning of Constitution and Citizenship Day
Published onSeptember 14, 2020
Federal judges from New York to California are creating online civics opportunities throughout September to help students honor Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, despite the termination of courthouse trips and classroom visits due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Source: https://www.uscourts.gov/
By
Robert Williams
Editor in Chief