/Users/andrea/_magisterarbeit/korpus/clean/testkorpus/27/file13.html NN ----------------------------------------- : Frequently RB Asked VVN Questions NNS Federal NP Judges NPS Court NP Information NP Filing VVG a DT Case NN Juror NN Information NP The NP Judicial NP Conference NP Employment NP Return NN to TO USCourts NNS . SENT gov NP Federal NP Judges NPS Q NP . SENT Who WP appoints VVZ federal JJ judges NNS . SENT Supreme NP Court NP justices NNS , , court NN of IN appeals NNS judges NNS , , and CC district NN court NN judges NNS are VBP nominated VVN by IN the DT President NP and CC confirmed VVD by IN the DT United NP States NPS Senate NP , , as RB stated VVN in IN the DT Constitution NP . SENT The DT names NNS of IN potential JJ nominees NNS often RB are VBP recommended VVN by IN senators NNS or CC sometimes RB members NNS of IN the DT House NP who WP are VBP of IN the DT President's NP political JJ party NN . SENT The DT Senate NP Judiciary NP Committee NP typically RB conducts VVZ confirmation NN hearings NNS for IN each DT nominee NN . SENT Article NP III NP of IN the DT Constitution NP states NNS that IN these DT judicial JJ officers NNS are VBP appointed VVN for IN a DT life NN term NN . SENT The DT federal JJ Judiciary NP , , the DT Judicial NP Conference NP of IN the DT United NP States NPS , , and CC the DT Administrative NP Office NP of IN the DT U NP . SENT S NP . SENT Courts NNS play VVP no DT role NN in IN the DT nomination NN and CC confirmation NN process NN . SENT Return NN to TO Top NP Q NP . SENT How WRB are VBP new JJ judgeships NNS created VVD . SENT Court NN of IN appeals NNS and CC district NN court NN judgeships NNS are VBP created VVN by IN legislation NN that WDT must MD be VB enacted VVN by IN Congress NP . SENT New JJ judgeships NNS were VBD last RB created VVN in IN July NP 2003 CD , , under IN Public NP Law NP 107 CD 273 CD , , which WDT established VVD 15 CD new JJ district NN court NN judgeships NNS . SENT The DT Judicial NP Conference NP through IN its PP$ Judicial NP Resources NPS Committee NP surveys VVZ the DT judgeship NN needs VVZ of IN the DT courts NNS every DT other JJ year NN . SENT A DT threshold NN for IN the DT number NN of IN weighted JJ filings NNS per IN judgeship NN is VBZ the DT key JJ factor NN in IN determining VVG when WRB an DT additional JJ judgeship NN will MD be VB requested VVN . SENT Other JJ factors NNS may MD include VV geography NN , , number NN of IN senior JJ judges NNS , , and CC mix NN of IN cases NNS . SENT The DT Judicial NP Conference NP presents VVZ its PP$ judgeship NN recommendations NNS to TO Congress NP . SENT Return NN to TO Top NP Q NP . SENT What WP are VBP the DT qualifications NNS for IN becoming VVG a DT federal JJ judge NN . SENT The DT Constitution NP sets VVZ forth RB no DT specific JJ requirements NNS . SENT However RB , , members NNS of IN Congress NP , , who WP typically RB recommend VVP potential JJ nominees NNS , , and CC the DT Department NP of IN Justice NP , , which WDT reviews VVZ nominees NNS qualifications NNS , , have VHP developed VVN their PP$ own JJ informal JJ criteria NNS . SENT Return NN to TO Top NP Q NP . SENT How WRB is VBZ a DT chief JJ judge NN selected VVN . SENT One PP is VBZ not RB nominated VVN or CC appointed VVN to TO the DT position NN of IN chief JJ judge NN except IN for IN the DT Chief NP Justice NP of IN the DT United NP States NPS . SENT they PP assume VVP the DT position NN based VVN on IN seniority NN . SENT The DT same JJ criteria NNS exists VVZ for IN circuit NN and CC district NN chiefs NNS . SENT The DT chief JJ judge NN is VBZ the DT judge NN in IN regular JJ active JJ service NN who WP is VBZ senior JJ in IN commission NN of IN those DT judges NNS who WP are VBP 1 CD 64 CD years NNS of IN age NN or CC under IN . SENT 2 CD have VHP served VVN for IN one CD year NN or CC more JJR as IN a DT judge NN . SENT and CC 3 CD have VHP not RB previously RB served VVN as IN chief JJ judge NN . SENT Return NN to TO Top NP Q NP . SENT What WP is VBZ a DT senior JJ judge NN . SENT The DT Rule NN of IN 80 CD is VBZ the DT commonly RB used VVN shorthand NN for IN the DT age NN and CC service NN requirement NN for IN a DT judge NN to TO assume VV senior JJ status NN , , as RB set VVN forth RB in IN Title NP 28 CD of IN the DT US NP . SENT Code NP , , Section NP 371 CD c SYM . SENT Beginning VVG at IN age NN 65 CD , , a DT judge NN may MD retire VV at IN his PP$ or CC her PP$ current JJ salary NN or CC take VV senior JJ status NN after IN performing VVG 15 CD years NNS of IN active JJ service NN as IN an DT Article NP III NP judge NN 65 CD 15 CD 80 CD . SENT A DT sliding VVG scale NN of IN increasing VVG age NN and CC decreasing VVG service NN results NNS in IN eligibility NN for IN retirement NN compensation NN at IN age NN 70 CD with IN a DT minimum NN of IN 10 CD years NNS of IN service NN 70 CD 10 CD 80 CD . SENT Senior JJ judges NNS , , who WP essentially RB provide VVP volunteer NN service NN to TO the DT courts NNS , , typically RB handle VV about IN 15 CD percent NN of IN the DT federal JJ courts NNS workload NN annually RB . SENT Return NN to TO Top NP Q NP . SENT What WP are VBP bankruptcy NN judges NNS . SENT How WRB are VBP they PP appointed VVN . SENT A DT U NP . SENT S NP . SENT bankruptcy NN judge NN is VBZ a DT judicial JJ officer NN of IN the DT U NP . SENT S NP . SENT district NN court NN who WP is VBZ appointed VVN by IN the DT majority NN of IN judges NNS of IN the DT U NP . SENT S NP . SENT court NN of IN appeals NNS to TO exercise VV jurisdiction NN over IN bankruptcy NN matters NNS . SENT The DT number NN of IN bankruptcy NN judges NNS is VBZ determined VVN by IN Congress NP . SENT The DT Judicial NP Conference NP of IN the DT United NP States NPS is VBZ required VVN to TO submit VV recommendations NNS from IN time NN to TO time NN regarding VVG the DT number NN of IN bankruptcy NN judges NNS needed VVD . SENT Bankruptcy NN judges NNS are VBP appointed VVN for IN 14 CD year NN terms NNS . SENT Return NN to TO Top NP Q NP . SENT What WP are VBP federal JJ magistrate NN judges NNS . SENT A DT U NP . SENT S NP . SENT magistrate NN judge NN is VBZ a DT judicial JJ officer NN of IN the DT district NN court NN and CC is VBZ appointed VVN by IN majority NN vote NN of IN the DT active JJ district NN judges NNS of IN the DT court NN to TO exercise VV jurisdiction NN over IN matters NNS assigned VVN by IN statute NN as RB well RB as IN those DT delegated VVN by IN the DT district NN judges NNS . SENT The DT number NN of IN magistrate NN judge NN positions NNS is VBZ determined VVN by IN the DT Judicial NP Conference NP of IN the DT United NP States NPS , , based VVN on IN recommendations NNS of IN the DT respective JJ district NN courts NNS , , the DT judicial JJ councils NNS of IN the DT circuits NNS , , and CC the DT Director NP of IN the DT Administrative NP Office NP of IN the DT U NP . SENT S NP . SENT Courts NNS . SENT A DT full JJ time NN magistrate NN judge NN serves VVZ a DT term NN of IN eight CD years NNS . SENT Duties NNS assigned VVN to TO magistrate NN judges NNS by IN district NN court NN judges NNS may MD vary VV considerably RB from IN court NN to TO court NN . SENT Return NN to TO Top NP Court NP Information NP Q NP . SENT How WRB many JJ courts NNS of IN appeals NNS are VBP there RB . SENT There EX are VBP 13 CD judicial JJ circuits NNS , , each DT with IN a DT court NN of IN appeals NNS . SENT The DT smallest JJS court NN is VBZ the DT First NP Circuit NP with IN six CD judgeships NNS , , and CC the DT largest JJS court NN is VBZ the DT Ninth JJ Circuit NN , , with IN 28 CD judgeships NNS . SENT A DT list NN of IN the DT states NNS that WDT compose VV each DT circuit NN is VBZ set VVN forth RB in IN Title NP 28 CD of IN the DT U NP . SENT S NP . SENT Code NP , , Section NP 41 CD . SENT The DT number NN of IN judgeships NNS in IN each DT circuit NN is VBZ set VVN forth RB in IN Title NP 28 CD of IN the DT U NP . SENT S NP . SENT Code NP , , Section NP 44 CD . SENT Return NN to TO Top NP Q NP . SENT How WRB many JJ district NN courts NNS are VBP there RB . SENT There EX are VBP 89 CD districts NNS in IN the DT 50 CD states NNS , , which WDT are VBP listed VVN with IN their PP$ divisions NNS in IN Title NP 28 CD of IN the DT U NP . SENT S NP . SENT Code NP , , Sections NNS 81 CD 144 CD . SENT District NN courts NNS also RB exist VVP in IN Puerto NP Rico NP , , the DT Virgin NP Islands NP , , the DT District NP of IN Columbia NP , , Guam NP , , and CC the DT Northern NP Mariana NP Islands NPS . SENT In IN total NN there EX are VBP 94 CD U NP . SENT S NP . SENT district NN courts NNS . SENT Some DT states NNS , , such JJ as IN Alaska NP , , are VBP composed VVN of IN a DT single JJ judicial JJ district NN . SENT Others NNS , , such JJ as IN California NP , , are VBP composed VVN of IN multiple JJ judicial JJ districts NNS . SENT The DT number NN of IN judgeships NNS allotted VVN to TO each DT district NN is VBZ set VVN forth RB in IN Title NP 28 CD of IN the DT U NP . SENT S NP . SENT Code NP , , Section NP 133 CD . SENT Return NN to TO Top JJ Filing NN a DT Case NP Q NP . SENT How WRB do VVP I PP file VV a DT civil JJ case NN . SENT Is VBZ there RB a DT charge NN . SENT A DT civil JJ action NN is VBZ commenced VVD by IN the DT filing NN of IN a DT complaint NN . SENT Parties NNS instituting VVG a DT civil JJ action NN in IN a DT district NN court NN are VBP required VVN to TO pay VV a DT filing NN fee NN pursuant JJ to TO Title NP 28 CD , , U NP . SENT S NP . SENT Code NP , , Section NP 1914 CD . SENT The DT current JJ fee NN is VBZ 250 CD . SENT Complaints NNS may MD be VB accompanied VVN by IN an DT application NN to TO proceed VV in IN forma FW pauperis NNS , , meaning VVG that IN the DT plaintiff NN is VBZ incapable JJ of IN paying VVG the DT filing NN fee NN . SENT Return NN to TO Top NP Q NP . SENT How WRB do VVP I PP file VV a DT criminal JJ case NN . SENT Individuals NNS do VVP not RB file VV criminal JJ charges NNS in IN U NP . SENT S NP . SENT district NN courts NNS . SENT A DT criminal JJ proceeding NN is VBZ initiated VVN by IN the DT government NN , , usually RB through IN the DT U NP . SENT S NP . SENT attorney's JJ office NN in IN coordination NN with IN a DT law NN enforcement NN agency NN . SENT Allegations NNS of IN criminal JJ behavior NN should MD be VB brought VVN to TO local JJ police NNS , , the DT FBI NP , , or CC other JJ appropriate JJ law NN enforcement NN agency NN . SENT Return NN to TO Top NP Q NP . SENT How WRB do VVP I PP file VV for IN bankruptcy NN . SENT Is VBZ there RB a DT charge NN . SENT A DT bankruptcy NN case NN is VBZ commenced VVD by IN the DT filing NN of IN a DT petition NN . SENT You PP must MD also RB file VV a DT statement NN of IN your PP$ assets NNS and CC liabilities NNS , , and CC schedules NNS listing VVG your PP$ creditors NNS . SENT If IN you PP choose VVP to TO file VV a DT bankruptcy NN petition NN without IN the DT assistance NN of IN an DT attorney NN , , you PP can MD obtain VV the DT required VVN forms NNS at IN most JJS stationery NN stores NNS or CC at IN www NP . SENT uscourts NNS . SENT gov NP bkforms NNS index NN . SENT html NN . SENT There EX is VBZ a DT range NN of IN filing NN fees NNS for IN bankruptcy NN cases NNS , , depending VVG on IN the DT chapter NN of IN the DT bankruptcy NN code NN under IN which WDT you PP file VVP . SENT Chapter NP 7 CD , , by IN far RB the DT most RBS common JJ form NN filed VVN by IN individuals NNS , , involves VVZ an DT almost RB complete JJ liquidation NN of IN the DT assets NNS of IN the DT debtor NN , , as RB well RB as IN a DT discharge NN of IN most JJS debts NNS . SENT You PP must MD pay VV a DT fee NN of IN 274 CD to TO file VV a DT case NN under IN Chapter NP 7 CD , , which WDT includes VVZ a DT 220 CD filing NN fee NN , , a DT 39 CD miscellaneous JJ fee NN , , and CC a DT 15 CD trustee NN fee NN . SENT See VV Bankruptcy NP Basics NNS . SENT Return NN to TO Top NP Q NP . SENT How WRB can MD I PP find VV a DT lawyer NN . SENT In IN most JJS districts NNS , , local JJ bar NN associations NNS or CC similar JJ groups NNS offer VVP lawyer NN referral NN services NNS , , usually RB without IN charge NN . SENT The DT clerk's NNS office NN in IN your PP$ district NN court NN should MD be VB able JJ to TO put VV you PP in IN touch NN with IN such PDT a DT service NN . SENT Many JJ clerk's NNS offices NNS also RB have VHP developed VVN informational JJ packets NNS explaining VVG filing NN procedures NNS and CC listing NN sources NNS of IN legal JJ assistance NN . SENT Personnel NNS in IN the DT clerk's JJ office NN and CC other JJ federal JJ court NN employees NNS are VBP prohibited VVN from IN providing VVG legal JJ advice NN to TO individual JJ litigants NNS . SENT Defendants NNS in IN criminal JJ proceedings NNS have VHP a DT right NN to TO a DT lawyer NN , , and CC are VBP entitled VVN by IN the DT Criminal NP Justice NP Act NP CJA NP to TO have VH counsel NN appointed VVN at IN government NN expense NN if IN they PP are VBP financially RB unable JJ to TO obtain VV adequate JJ representation NN by IN private JJ counsel NN . SENT The DT CJA NP , , which WDT is VBZ set VVN forth RB in IN Title NP 18 CD , , U NP . SENT S NP . SENT Code NP , , Section NP 3006 CD A NP , , requires VVZ a DT court NN determination NN that IN a DT person NN is VBZ financially RB eligible JJ for IN court NN appointed VVN counsel NN . SENT A DT court NN may MD determine VV that IN a DT defendant NN is VBZ partially RB eligible JJ for IN court NN appointed VVN counsel NN and CC order VV the DT defendant NN to TO contribute VV to TO the DT cost NN of IN representation NN . SENT Counsel NN assigned VVN to TO a DT defendant NN may MD be VB a DT private JJ lawyer NN , , who WP is VBZ a DT member NN of IN the DT court's JJ panel NN of IN attorneys NNS receiving VVG CJA NP appointments NNS , , or CC , , in IN many JJ districts NNS , , an DT attorney NN who WP works VVZ for IN a DT federal JJ defender NN organization NN . SENT The DT clerk's NNS office NN has VHZ forms NNS that WDT can MD be VB used VVN to TO apply VV for IN the DT appointment NN of IN counsel NN . SENT There EX is VBZ no DT right NN to TO free VV legal JJ assistance NN in IN civil JJ proceedings NNS . SENT Some DT litigants NNS proceed VVP pro FW se FW . SENT that DT is VBZ , , they PP represent VVP themselves PP before IN the DT court NN . SENT Return NN to TO Top NP Q NP . SENT How WRB can MD I PP check VV on IN the DT status NN of IN my PP$ case NN . SENT Can MD I PP review VV case NN files NNS . SENT Your PP$ lawyer NN , , who WP likely RB is VBZ familiar JJ with IN local JJ court NN practice NN , , is VBZ your PP$ best JJS resource NN . SENT Generally RB , , all DT documents NNS filed VVN with IN a DT court NN are VBP public JJ records NNS and CC are VBP available JJ through IN the DT clerk's JJ office NN . SENT By IN way NN of IN exception NN , , some DT documents NNS are VBP sealed VVN by IN special JJ court NN order NN , , and CC some DT documents NNS are VBP confidential JJ by IN operation NN of IN law NN , , such JJ as IN grand JJ jury NN materials NNS and CC criminal JJ files NNS relating VVG to TO juveniles NNS . SENT As IN the DT keeper NN of IN court NN records NNS , , the DT clerk's NNS office NN responds VVZ to TO most RBS inquiries NNS on IN the DT status NN of IN a DT case NN once RB given VVN the DT specific JJ case NN name NN or CC docket NN number NN . SENT In IN many JJ courts NNS , , inquiries NNS for IN information NN and CC requests NNS to TO examine VV dockets NNS , , case NN files NNS , , exhibits NNS , , and CC other JJ records NNS are VBP made VVN at IN the DT intake NN area NN in IN the DT clerk's JJ office NN . SENT Inquiries NNS often RB are VBP made VVN by IN phone NN . SENT There EX is VBZ a DT 26 CD fee NN for IN every DT search NN of IN the DT records NNS conducted VVN by IN the DT clerk's JJ office NN . SENT A DT fee NN of IN . SENT 50 CD per IN page NN is VBZ assessed VVN for IN reproducing VVG any DT record NN or CC paper NN record NN or CC . SENT 10 CD per IN page NN , , for IN printing NN copies NNS of IN any DT records NNS or CC document NN accessed VVD electronically RB at IN the DT public JJ access NN terminal NN in IN the DT courthouse NN . SENT Almost RB all DT federal JJ courts NNS have VHP automated VVN systems NNS that WDT allow VVP for IN the DT search NN and CC retrieval NN of IN case NN related JJ information NN through IN personal JJ computers NNS at IN the DT public JJ counters NNS and CC through IN an DT internet NP service NN called VVD PACER NN Public NP Access NP to TO Court NP Electronic NP Records NPS . SENT Electronic JJ access NN to TO case NN related JJ information NN is VBZ available JJ free RB of IN charge NN at IN the DT public JJ counter NN in IN the DT clerk's JJ office NN of IN most JJS courts NNS . SENT The DT PACER NN service NN , , which WDT provides VVZ remote JJ access NN to TO case NN related JJ information NN for IN registered JJ users NNS , , currently RB assesses VVZ a DT fee NN of IN . SENT 08 CD per IN page NN . SENT In IN many JJ bankruptcy NN and CC appellate JJ courts NNS there EX also RB are VBP telephone NN information NN systems NNS , , which WDT enable VVP callers NNS to TO obtain VV basic JJ case NN information NN through IN the DT use NN of IN a DT touch NN tone NN phone NN . SENT These DT systems NNS are VBP provided VVN free JJ of IN charge NN , , are VBP available JJ 24 CD hours NNS a DT day NN , , and CC have VH a DT toll NN free JJ number NN for IN long JJ distance NN service NN . SENT For IN more JJR information NN , , visit VV the DT Directory NN of IN Electronic NP Public NP Access NP Services NPS . SENT Return NN to TO Top NP Q NP . SENT When WRB will MD the DT court NN reach VV a DT decision NN in IN my PP$ case NN . SENT Most JJS cases NNS are VBP handled VVN in IN an DT expeditious JJ manner NN . SENT The DT Speedy NP Trial NP Act NP of IN 1974 CD establishes VVZ standard JJ time NN requirements NNS for IN the DT timely JJ prosecution NN and CC disposition NN of IN criminal JJ cases NNS in IN district NN courts NNS . SENT There EX is VBZ no DT similar JJ law NN governing VVG civil JJ trial NN scheduling NN , , and CC as IN a DT result NN , , the DT scheduling NN of IN criminal JJ cases NNS is VBZ assigned VVN a DT higher JJR priority NN . SENT In IN 1990 CD , , Congress NP enacted VVD legislation NN that WDT directs VVZ each DT district NN court NN to TO devise VV and CC adopt VV a DT civil JJ expense NN and CC delay NN reduction NN plan NN . SENT One CD goal NN established VVN under IN the DT legislation NN is VBZ for IN each DT civil JJ case NN to TO be VB scheduled VVN for IN trial NN within IN 18 CD months NNS of IN filing VVG the DT complaint NN . SENT Litigants NNS should MD keep VV in IN mind NN that IN judges NNS have VHP many JJ duties NNS in IN addition NN to TO deciding VVG cases NNS . SENT The DT average JJ district NN court NN judge NN has VHZ more JJR than IN 400 CD newly RB filed VVN cases NNS to TO contend VV with IN each DT year NN . SENT In IN addition NN to TO trials NNS , , judges NNS conduct VVP sentencings NNS , , pretrial JJ conferences NNS , , settlement NN conferences NNS , , motions NNS hearings NNS , , write VV orders NNS and CC opinions NNS , , and CC consider VV other JJ court NN matters NNS both CC in IN the DT courtroom NN and CC in IN their PP$ chambers NNS . SENT There EX are VBP numerous JJ reasons NNS for IN delay NN , , many JJ of IN which WDT are VBP outside JJ of IN a DT court's JJ control NN . SENT Attorneys NNS and CC or CC litigants NNS may MD be VB responsible JJ . SENT Cases NNS may MD be VB delayed VVN because IN settlement NN negotiations NNS are VBP in IN progress NN . SENT Some DT courts NNS also RB experience VVP shortages NNS in IN judges NNS or CC available JJ courtrooms NNS . SENT Return NN to TO Top NP Q NP . SENT How WRB are VBP judges NNS assigned VVN to TO cases NNS . SENT Judge NP assignment NN methods NNS vary VVP . SENT The DT basic JJ considerations NNS in IN making VVG assignments NNS are VBP to TO assure VV equitable JJ distribution NN of IN caseload NN and CC avoid VV judge NN shopping NN . SENT By IN statute NN , , the DT chief JJ judge NN of IN each DT district NN court NN has VHZ the DT responsibility NN to TO enforce VV the DT court's JJ rules NNS and CC orders NNS on IN case NN assignments NNS . SENT Each DT court NN has VHZ a DT written JJ plan NN or CC system NN for IN assigning VVG cases NNS . SENT The DT majority NN of IN courts NNS use VVP some DT variation NN of IN a DT random JJ drawing NN . SENT One CD simple JJ method NN is VBZ to TO rotate VV the DT names NNS of IN available JJ judges NNS . SENT At IN times CC judges NNS having VHG special JJ expertise NN can MD be VB assigned VVN cases NNS by IN type NN , , such JJ as IN complex JJ criminal JJ cases NNS , , asbestos NN related JJ cases NNS , , or CC prisoner NN cases NNS . SENT The DT benefit NN of IN this DT system NN is VBZ that IN it PP takes VVZ advantage NN of IN the DT expertise NN developed VVN by IN judges NNS in IN certain JJ areas NNS . SENT Sometimes RB cases NNS may MD be VB assigned VVN based VVN on IN geographical JJ considerations NNS . SENT For IN example NN , , in IN a DT large JJ geographical JJ area NN it PP may MD be VB best RBS to TO assign VV a DT case NN to TO a DT judge NN located VVN at IN the DT site NN where WRB the DT case NN was VBD filed VVN . SENT Courts NNS also RB have VHP a DT system NN to TO check VV if IN there EX is VBZ any DT conflict NN that WDT would MD make VV it PP improper JJ for IN a DT judge NN to TO preside VV over IN a DT particular JJ case NN . SENT Return NN to TO Top NP Q NP . SENT How WRB do VVP I PP file VV a DT complaint NN against IN a DT judge NN . SENT The DT complaint NN process NN is VBZ not RB intended VVN to TO address VV complaints NNS related VVN to TO the DT merits NNS of IN a DT case NN or CC a DT court's NNS decision NN . SENT Any DT person NN alleging VVG that IN a DT judge NN of IN the DT United NP States NPS has VHZ engaged VVN in IN conduct NN prejudicial JJ to TO the DT effective JJ and CC expeditious JJ administration NN of IN the DT business NN of IN the DT courts NNS , , or CC that DT such JJ officer NN cannot NN discharge VV all PDT the DT duties NNS of IN the DT office NN because IN of IN physical JJ or CC mental JJ disability NN , , may MD file VV a DT complaint NN with IN the DT clerk NN of IN the DT court NN of IN appeals NNS for IN that DT circuit NN or CC applicable JJ national JJ court NN . SENT The DT statute NN governing VVG this DT complaint NN mechanism NN is VBZ set VVN out RP at IN Title NP 28 CD , , U NP . SENT S NP . SENT Code NP , , Section NP 351 CD a DT . SENT Return NN to TO Top JJ Juror NN Information NP Q NP . SENT How WRB are VBP jurors NNS contacted VVN for IN service NN in IN federal JJ court NN . SENT Before IN potential JJ jurors NNS are VBP summoned VVN for IN service NN , , their PP$ names NNS are VBP randomly RB drawn VVN from IN voters NNS lists NNS and CC sometimes RB drivers NNS lists NNS to TO receive VV a DT questionnaire NN to TO determine VV whether IN they PP meet VVP the DT legal JJ qualifications NNS for IN jury NN service NN . SENT Individuals NNS who WP receive VVP questionnaires NNS are VBP required VVN to TO complete VV and CC return VV them PP to TO the DT clerk's JJ office NN , , which WDT then RB screens VVZ the DT completed VVN questionnaires NNS to TO determine VV eligibility NN for IN jury NN service NN . SENT In IN some DT courts NNS , , qualification NN questionnaires NNS and CC summonses NNS are VBP mailed VVN together RB . SENT Return NN to TO Top NP Q NP . SENT Must MD I PP respond VV to TO my PP$ jury NN duty NN notice NN . SENT Yes UH , , it PP is VBZ legally RB required VVN , , and CC there EX are VBP penalties NNS for IN noncompliance NN . SENT Jurors NNS perform VVP a DT vital JJ role NN in IN the DT American JJ system NN of IN justice NN . SENT Jury NN service NN is VBZ an DT important JJ civic JJ function NN that WDT supports VVZ one CD of IN the DT fundamental JJ rights NNS of IN citizens NNS the DT right NN to TO have VH their PP$ cases NNS decided VVD by IN a DT jury NN of IN their PP$ peers NNS . SENT Return NN to TO Top NP Q NP . SENT Who WP may MD serve VV as IN a DT juror NN . SENT The DT Jury NP Act NP , , which WDT is VBZ set VVN out RP at IN Title NP 28 CD , , U NP . SENT S NP . SENT Code NP , , Sections NNS 1861 CD 1878 CD , , calls VVZ for IN random JJ selection NN of IN citizens NNS names NNS from IN voters NNS lists NNS or CC combined JJ voters NNS and CC drivers NNS lists NNS . SENT Because IN random JJ selection NN is VBZ required VVN , , individuals NNS may MD not RB volunteer VV for IN service NN . SENT The DT act NN states NNS that IN individuals NNS are VBP legally RB disqualified VVN from IN service NN . SENT if IN they PP are VBP not RB a DT citizen NN of IN the DT United NP States NPS 18 CD years NNS old JJ , , who WP has VHZ resided VVN for IN a DT period NN of IN one CD year NN within IN the DT judicial JJ district NN . SENT if IN they PP are VBP unable JJ to TO read VV , , write VV , , and CC understand VV the DT English JJ language NN with IN a DT degree NN of IN proficiency NN necessary JJ to TO fill VV out RP a DT qualification NN form NN . SENT if IN they PP are VBP unable JJ to TO speak VV the DT English JJ language NN . SENT if IN they PP are VBP incapable JJ by IN reason NN of IN mental JJ or CC physical JJ infirmity NN to TO render VV jury NN service NN . SENT or CC if IN they PP have VHP felony NN charges NNS pending VVG against IN them PP or CC they PP have VHP been VBN convicted VVN of IN a DT felony NN and CC their PP$ civil JJ rights NNS have VHP not RB been VBN restored VVN . SENT In IN addition NN , , the DT Jury NP Act NP lists VVZ three CD groups NNS that WDT are VBP exempt JJ from IN federal JJ jury NN service NN . SENT members NNS of IN the DT armed JJ forces NNS on IN active JJ duty NN . SENT members NNS of IN professional JJ fire NN and CC police NN departments NNS . SENT and CC public JJ officers NNS of IN federal JJ , , state NN or CC local JJ governments NNS , , who WP are VBP actively RB engaged VVN in IN the DT performance NN of IN public JJ duties NNS . SENT Persons NNS belonging VVG to TO these DT groups NNS may MD not RB serve VV on IN federal JJ juries NNS , , even RB if IN they PP so RB desire VVP . SENT Return NN to TO Top NP Q NP . SENT Will MD I PP be VB paid VVN for IN jury NN service NN . SENT Yes UH , , federal JJ jurors NNS are VBP paid VVN 40 CD a DT day NN . SENT Employees NNS of IN the DT federal JJ government NN are VBP paid VVN their PP$ regular JJ salary NN in IN lieu NN of IN this DT fee NN . SENT In IN most JJS courts NNS , , jurors NNS also RB are VBP reimbursed VVN for IN reasonable JJ transportation NN expenses NNS and CC parking NN fees NNS . SENT Your PP$ employer NN may MD continue VV your PP$ salary NN during IN all DT or CC part NN of IN your PP$ jury NN service NN , , but CC is VBZ not RB required VVN to TO do VV so RB . SENT Nonetheless RB , , the DT Jury NP Act NP forbids VVZ any DT employer NN from IN firing NN , , intimidating VVG , , or CC coercing VVG any DT permanent JJ employee NN because IN of IN their PP$ federal JJ jury NN service NN . SENT Return NN to TO Top NP Q NP . SENT What WP if IN the DT distance NN to TO the DT courthouse NN is VBZ too RB far RB or CC too RB difficult JJ for IN me PP to TO travel VV . SENT The DT Jury NP Act NP allows VVZ courts NNS to TO permanently RB excuse VV a DT juror NN from IN service NN at IN the DT time NN he PP or CC she PP is VBZ summoned VVN on IN the DT grounds NNS of IN undue JJ hardship NN or CC extreme JJ inconvenience NN if IN the DT distance NN to TO the DT courthouse NN makes VVZ it PP difficult JJ for IN the DT juror NN to TO travel VV . SENT The DT juror NN should MD write VV a DT letter NN to TO the DT chief JJ judge NN of IN the DT court NN requesting VVG an DT excuse NN with IN an DT explanation NN of IN hardship NN . SENT As RB with IN temporary JJ deferrals NNS , , whether IN to TO grant VV an DT excuse NN is VBZ a DT matter NN of IN discretion NN for IN the DT court NN and CC cannot NN be VB reviewed VVN or CC appealed VVN to TO Congress NP or CC any DT other JJ entity NN . SENT Return NN to TO Top NP Q NP . SENT What WP if IN the DT dates NNS of IN my PP$ jury NN service NN conflict NN with IN my PP$ work NN or CC vacation NN schedule NN . SENT The DT Jury NP Act NP allows VVZ courts NNS to TO grant VV temporary JJ deferrals NNS of IN service NN on IN the DT grounds NNS of IN undue JJ hardship NN or CC extreme JJ inconvenience NN . SENT The DT qualification NN questionnaire NN and CC juror NN summons NN provides VVZ specific JJ information NN on IN how WRB to TO request VV a DT deferral NN from IN your PP$ individual JJ court NN . SENT Whether IN to TO grant VV a DT deferral NN is VBZ a DT matter NN of IN discretion NN for IN the DT court NN and CC cannot NN be VB reviewed VVN or CC appealed VVN to TO Congress NP or CC any DT other JJ entity NN . SENT Return NN to TO Top NP Q NP . SENT Why WRB have VH some DT people NNS never RB been VBN called VVN for IN jury NN duty NN . SENT Eligibility NN for IN federal JJ jury NN service NN is VBZ dependent JJ both CC upon IN an DT individual JJ meeting NN the DT legal JJ qualifications NNS for IN service NN and CC upon IN the DT random JJ chance NN of IN having VHG one's NNS name NN drawn VVN from IN the DT source NN lists NNS . SENT Each DT judicial JJ district NN must MD have VH a DT formal JJ written JJ plan NN for IN the DT selection NN of IN jurors NNS , , which WDT provides VVZ for IN random JJ selection NN from IN a DT fair JJ cross NN section NN of IN the DT community NN in IN the DT district NN , , and CC which WDT prohibits VVZ discrimination NN in IN the DT selection NN process NN . SENT Voter NN records NNS either CC voter NN registration NN lists NNS or CC lists NNS of IN actual JJ voters NNS are VBP the DT required VVN source NN of IN names NNS for IN federal JJ court NN juries NNS . SENT Some DT courts NNS supplement NN voter NN lists NNS with IN other JJ sources NNS , , such JJ as IN lists NNS of IN licensed JJ drivers NNS . SENT A DT copy NN of IN a DT district's JJ jury NN plan NN is VBZ available JJ for IN review NN in IN the DT clerk's JJ office NN . SENT In IN addition NN , , many JJ courts NNS offer VVP excuses NNS from IN service NN , , on IN individual JJ request NN , , to TO designated VVN groups NNS of IN persons NNS or CC occupational JJ classes NNS . SENT Such JJ groups NNS may MD include VV persons NNS over IN age NN 70 CD . SENT persons NNS who WP have VHP , , within IN the DT past JJ two CD years NNS , , served VVN on IN a DT federal JJ jury NN . SENT and CC persons NNS who WP serve VVP as RB volunteer VV fire NN fighters NNS or CC members NNS of IN a DT rescue NN squad NN or CC ambulance NN crew NN . SENT Return NN to TO Top JJ The DT Judicial NP Conference NP Q NP . SENT What WP is VBZ the DT Judicial NP Conference NP of IN the DT United NP States NPS . SENT When WRB was VBD it PP established VVN . SENT The DT Conference NN of IN Senior NP Circuit NP Judges NP was VBD created VVN by IN Congress NP in IN 1922 CD , , to TO serve VV as IN the DT principal JJ policy NN making VVG body NN concerned VVN with IN the DT administration NN of IN the DT United NP States NPS Courts NPS . SENT In IN 1948 CD , , Congress NP enacted VVD Section NP 331 CD of IN Title NP 28 CD , , U NP . SENT S NP . SENT Code NP , , changing VVG the DT name NN to TO the DT Judicial NP Conference NP of IN the DT United NP States NPS . SENT District NN judges NNS formally RB were VBD added VVN to TO the DT Conference NN in IN 1957 CD . SENT Return NN to TO Top NP Q NP . SENT What WP are VBP the DT duties NNS and CC responsibilities NNS of IN the DT Judicial NP Conference NP . SENT As IN in IN 1922 CD , , the DT fundamental JJ purpose NN of IN the DT Judicial NP Conference NP today NN is VBZ to TO make VV policy NN with IN regard NN to TO the DT administration NN of IN the DT United NP States NPS courts NNS . SENT Section NN 331 CD of IN Title NP 28 CD specifically RB provides VVZ that IN the DT Conference NN shall MD . SENT make VV a DT comprehensive JJ survey NN of IN the DT conditions NNS of IN business NN in IN the DT courts NNS of IN the DT United NP States NPS . SENT prepare VV plans NNS for IN the DT assignment NN of IN judges NNS to TO or CC from IN courts NNS of IN appeals NNS or CC district NN courts NNS , , where WRB necessary JJ . SENT submit VV suggestions NNS to TO the DT various JJ courts NNS in IN the DT interest NN of IN promoting VVG uniformity NN of IN management NN procedures NNS and CC the DT expeditious JJ conduct NN of IN court NN business NN . SENT exercise NN authority NN provided VVN in IN 28 CD U NP . SENT S NP . SENT C SYM . SENT Section NP 372 CD c SYM for IN the DT review NN of IN circuit NN council NN conduct NN and CC disability NN orders NNS filed VVN under IN that DT section NN . SENT and CC carry VV on IN a DT continuous JJ study NN of IN the DT operation NN and CC effect NN of IN the DT general JJ rules NNS of IN practice NN and CC procedure NN in IN use NN within IN the DT federal JJ courts NNS , , as RB prescribed VVN by IN the DT Supreme NP Court NP pursuant JJ to TO law NN . SENT The DT Judicial NP Conference NP also RB supervises VVZ the DT Director NN of IN the DT Administrative NP Office NP of IN the DT United NP States NPS Courts NNS in IN the DT performance NN of IN his PP$ duties NNS as IN the DT administrative JJ officer NN of IN the DT courts NNS of IN the DT United NP States NPS under IN 28 CD U NP . SENT S NP . SENT C SYM . SENT Section NP 604 CD . SENT In IN addition NN , , certain JJ statutes NNS authorize VV the DT Judicial NP Conference NP to TO act VV in IN a DT variety NN of IN specific JJ areas NNS dealing VVG with IN the DT administration NN of IN the DT courts NNS . SENT The DT Chief NP Justice NP is VBZ required VVN to TO submit VV to TO Congress NP an DT annual JJ report NN of IN the DT proceedings NNS of IN the DT Judicial NP Conference NP and CC its PP$ recommendations NNS for IN legislation NN . SENT Return NN to TO Top NP Q NP . SENT Who WP are VBP the DT members NNS of IN the DT Judicial NP Conference NP . SENT The DT Chief NP Justice NP of IN the DT United NP States NPS is VBZ the DT presiding VVG officer NN of IN the DT Judicial NP Conference NP . SENT Membership NN is VBZ comprised VVN of IN the DT chief JJ judge NN of IN each DT judicial JJ circuit NN , , the DT chief JJ judge NN of IN the DT Court NP of IN International NP Trade NP , , and CC a DT district NN judge NN from IN each DT regional JJ judicial JJ circuit NN , , who WP is VBZ elected VVN for IN a DT term NN of IN not RB less JJR than IN three CD nor CC more JJR than IN five CD successive JJ years NNS as IN established VVN by IN majority NN vote NN of IN all DT circuit NN and CC district NN judges NNS of IN the DT circuit NN represented VVD 28 CD U NP . SENT S NP . SENT C SYM . SENT Section NP 331 CD . SENT Return NN to TO Top NP Q NP . SENT When WRB and CC where WRB does VVZ the DT Judicial NP Conference NP meet VV . SENT The DT statute NN requires VVZ the DT Chief NP Justice NP to TO summon VV the DT Judicial NP Conference NP into IN session NN annually RB , , at IN such JJ time NN and CC place NN in IN the DT United NP States NPS as IN he PP may MD designate VV . SENT Traditionally RB the DT Chief NP Justice NP has VHZ convened VVN two CD meetings NNS of IN the DT Conference NN each DT year NN , , one CD in IN September NP and CC one CD in IN March NP . SENT The DT members NNS are VBP required VVN to TO attend VV each DT session NN unless IN excused VVN by IN the DT Chief NP Justice NP , , who WP will MD then RB designate VV a DT replacement NN . SENT The DT Conference NN generally RB meets VVZ in IN Washington NP , , D NP . SENT C SYM . SENT Return NN to TO Top NP Q NP . SENT How WRB does VVZ the DT Judicial NP Conference NP do VVP its PP$ work NN . SENT The DT Conference NN operates VVZ through IN a DT network NN of IN committees NNS created VVN to TO address VV and CC advise VV on IN a DT wide JJ variety NN of IN subjects NNS , , such JJ as IN automation NN , , personnel NNS , , probation NN and CC pretrial JJ services NNS , , sentencing NN , , space NN and CC security NN , , and CC judicial JJ salaries NNS and CC benefits NNS . SENT The DT seven CD member NN Executive NP Committee NP of IN the DT Judicial NP Conference NP serves VVZ as IN the DT senior JJ executive NN arm NN of IN the DT Conference NN , , acting VVG on IN its PP$ behalf NN between IN sessions NNS on IN matters NNS requiring VVG emergency NN action NN . SENT Among IN it PP responsibilities NNS , , the DT Executive NP Committee NP reviews VVZ the DT jurisdiction NN of IN Conference NN committees NNS , , and CC establishes VVZ and CC publishes VVZ procedures NNS for IN assembling VVG Conference NN and CC committee NN agendas NNS . SENT The DT Director NP of IN the DT Administrative NP Office NP of IN the DT United NP States NPS Courts NPS serves VVZ as IN Secretary NP to TO the DT Judicial NP Conference NP . SENT The DT assistant JJ director NN of IN the DT Office NN of IN the DT Judicial NP Conference NP Executive NP Secretariat NN in IN the DT Administrative NP Office NP coordinates VVZ administrative JJ support NN to TO the DT Conference NN itself PP and CC its PP$ Executive NP Committee NP . SENT The DT person NN in IN this DT position NN also RB coordinates VVZ the DT activities NNS of IN the DT Executive NP Secretariat NN , , which WDT consists VVZ of IN senior JJ members NNS of IN the DT Administrative NP Office's NP professional JJ staff NN , , who WP dedicate VV all DT or CC a DT substantial JJ portion NN of IN their PP$ time NN to TO the DT work NN of IN the DT Judicial NP Conference NP and CC its PP$ committees NNS . SENT Return NN to TO Top NP Q NP . SENT Who WP are VBP the DT committee NN members NNS and CC how WRB are NN they PP appointed VVD . SENT The DT Chief NP Justice NP has VHZ sole JJ authority NN to TO make VV committee NN appointments NNS . SENT The DT Director NP of IN the DT Administrative NP Office NP and CC the DT assistant JJ director NN , , Judicial NP Conference NP Executive NP Secretariat NN collate VV the DT expressed VVN interests NNS of IN judicial JJ officers NNS and CC their PP$ recommendations NNS of IN others NNS who WP may MD be VB considered VVN for IN appointments NNS , , and CC the DT Director NP forwards RB the DT suggestions NNS to TO the DT Chief NP Justice NP . SENT Committee NP chairpersons NNS may MD appoint VV subcommittees NNS composed VVN of IN members NNS of IN the DT committee NN . SENT Appointment NN of IN subcommittees NNS composed VVN of IN non JJ committee NN members NNS requires VVZ the DT approval NN of IN the DT Chief NP Justice NP . SENT As IN a DT general JJ rule NN , , committee NN appointments NNS are VBP for IN a DT term NN of IN three CD years NNS , , subject JJ to TO one CD reappointment NN . SENT Terms NNS are VBP staggered JJ to TO minimize VV turnover NN each DT year NN . SENT Judges NNS who WP desire VVP committee NN service NN , , or CC wish VVP to TO recommend VV others NNS for IN assignments NNS , , may MD make VV their PP$ interests NNS or CC recommendations NNS known VVN at IN any DT time NN , , in IN writing NN , , to TO the DT Director NP of IN the DT Administrative NP Office NP . SENT A DT permanent JJ file NN is VBZ maintained VVN for IN reference NN during IN the DT annual JJ appointment NN process NN . SENT Return NN to TO Top NP Employment NP Q NP . SENT How WRB do VVP I PP find VV out RP about IN employment NN opportunities NNS in IN the DT federal JJ courts NNS . SENT The DT federal JJ court NN system's NNS personnel NNS decisions NNS are VBP decentralized VVN . SENT This DT means VVZ that IN each DT court NN unit NN does VVZ its PP$ own JJ advertising NN and CC hiring VVG for IN job NN positions NNS . SENT Court NN unit NN heads VVZ generally RB control VV the DT hiring NN within IN their PP$ office NN so IN that DT chief JJ probation NN officers NNS , , staff NN attorneys NNS , , circuit NN executives NNS , , clerks NNS of IN court NN , , and CC circuit NN librarians NNS each DT exercise NN such JJ authority NN within IN their PP$ offices NNS . SENT Judges NNS select VVP and CC hire VVP their PP$ own JJ chambers NNS staff NN . SENT Some DT employment NN opportunities NNS are VBP available JJ on IN this DT web NN site NN but CC often RB the DT clerk's JJ office NN of IN the DT court NN of IN appeals NNS , , district NN , , or CC bankruptcy NN court NN is VBZ the DT best JJS source NN for IN a DT complete JJ listing NN . SENT The DT federal JJ Judiciary NP is VBZ committed VVN to TO the DT national JJ policy NN of IN ensuring VVG equal JJ employment NN opportunity NN to TO all DT persons NNS . SENT About IN The DT U NP . SENT S NP . SENT Courts NNS Newsroom NN Library NN Court NP Links NP FAQs NP Employment NP Opportunities NNS Contact NP Us NP Search NP This DT page NN is VBZ maintained VVN by IN the DT Administrative NP Office NP of IN the DT U NP . SENT S NP . SENT Courts NNS on IN behalf NN of IN the DT U NP . SENT S NP . SENT Courts NNS . SENT The DT purpose NN of IN this DT site NN is VBZ to TO function VV as IN a DT clearinghouse NN for IN information NN from IN and CC about IN the DT Judicial NP Branch NP of IN the DT U NP . SENT S NP . SENT Government NN . SENT Privacy NN and CC Security NN Notices NNS