Use of Visiting Judges in the Federal District Courts: A Guide for Judges and Court Personnel (Updated 2003)

摘要

Today, as always, judges, circuit executives, clerks, and others seek ways to more effectively and efficiently manage rising caseloads in the federal courts. Using visiting judges is one method that has been successful. In addition to helping with heavy caseloads, judges visit to assist in recusal situations, judicial illness or disability, or where judgeship vacancies exist. Many judges have responded to the call of courts in need. Data provided by the Administrative Offices Statistics Division indicate that in 1999, eighty-seven active judges and eighty-two senior judges provided visitor services in sixtynine district courts. Developing a program that works well for visiting judges and the borrowing courts can be challenging. In 1999, at the direction of the Judicial Officers Resources Working Group appointed by the Chief Justice, the Federal Judicial Center conducted studies of the use of visiting judges in the district courts. From our interviews, we learned that many borrowing courts have created successful visiting judge procedures that minimize administrative burdens and maximize benefits to the court and the visitor. Not surprisingly, we found that certain components are important to the successful use of visiting judges. Each court, however, must ultimately create a program that meets its specific needs. To assist courts in that goal, we developed this guide. It describes the collective wisdom of judges and clerks from borrowing courts, as well as that of judges who have visited. We invite you to collaborate with your colleagues as you use the guide to craft and refine your own procedures for using a visiting judge or serving as one.