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Federal Judicial Center Act of 1967
The Federal Judicial Center Act of 1967 was legislation approved by Congress that created the Federal Judicial Center.[1]
Purpose
The idea of the Federal Judicial Center came from former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, Earl Warren. The goal of the legislation was to introduce regular programs of research and education about the federal judiciary. The law sought to improve the efficiency of the federal courts and relieve case delays in lower level courts.[1]
Issues facing the judiciary
During the 1950's and 1960's, the Judicial Conference of the United States increased the number of research projects to solve problems of judicial administration. At the same time, the Judicial Conference organized educational programs to help judges manage growing caseloads. However, the federal judiciary received no permanent staff or funding to conduct projects. After Congress approved sixty new district judgeships in 1961, the demand increased for a formal program of judicial research and education. Judges and members of the federal bar urged Congress to pass legislation to dedicate funding and resources towards research and education.[1]
Legislation
The Judicial Conference in 1966 authorized a committee to examine research and education requirements of the judiciary. Former Justice Stanley Reed agreed to be chairman of the committee. Also, President Lyndon B. Johnson decided to include the proposal as part of a separate 1967 crime bill. Bills to create the organization were later introduced in both houses of Congress.[1]
There was broad, bipartisan support in Congress for the Federal Judicial Center. The discussions in House and Senate hearings centered around finding the proper structure and leadership for the Center. The Reed Committee's report recommended for an independent agency with its own governing board. An independent agency would protect research and education resources from being absorbed into administrative duties.[1]
A Board of Directors was created as part of the law. The board consists of the Chief Justice, a rotating group of judges selected by the Judicial Conference, and the director of the Administrative Office of the US Courts.
The role of the center is to conduct research on the operation of the courts, offer education and training for judges and court personnel, and to assist and advise the Judicial Conference on administration and management of the courts.[1]
See also
External links
Footnotes
