Judiciary News

In celebration of July Fourth, citizens, attorneys and federal judges from across the country reflect on what independence means and how the U.S. courts protect their freedoms. In a brief video, participants from Washington, New York City and San Francisco also share their thoughts on two key phrases from the Declaration of Independence: "All men are created equal," and "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness."

The number of federal and state wiretaps authorized in 2013 increased 5 percent over 2012, with telephone wiretaps the most common form of surveillance. As of December 31, 2013, 709 persons had been convicted as a result of authorized interceptions, up 56 percent from 2012.

In 2012, Super Storm Sandy destroyed an estimated 650,000 homes and affected over 300,000 businesses along the Atlantic seaboard. Affected homeowners and businesses have filed over 1,000 Super Storm Sandy-related insurance coverage actions in the Eastern District of New York. That number is expected to double or even triple in the coming months.

The Fergus Falls Courthouse in Minnesota recently was renamed to honor one of the most distinguished federal jurists – Judge Edward J. Devitt.

U.S. District Judge Arthur D. Spatt of the Eastern District of New York was a navigation petty officer in the U.S. Navy from 1944-1946, retiring as a Quartermaster Second Class. He sits in Central Islip, N.Y.

In this interview, U.S. District Judge Jack B. Weinstein of the Eastern District of New York recounts his World War II combat experience and subsequent judicial career. Judge Weinstein, who sits in Brooklyn, served in the U.S. Navy from 1943-1946, retiring as a Lieutenant.

In this interview, U.S. District Judge I. Leo Glasser of the Eastern District of New York recounts his World War II combat experience and subsequent judicial career. Judge Glasser, who sits in Brooklyn, served in the U.S. Army from 1943-1946, retiring as a Tech Corporal.

In this audio interview, U.S. District Judge Tom Stagg of the Western District of Louisiana recounts his World War II combat experience and subequent judicial career. Judge Stagg, who sits in Shreveport, La., served in the U.S. Army from 1943-1946, retiring as an infantry captain.

In this audio interview, U.S. District Judge S. Arthur Spiegel of the Southern District of Ohio recounts his World War II combat experience and subsequent judicial career. Judge Spiegel, who sits in Cincinnati, served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1942-1946, retiring as a Captain.

In this audio interview, U.S. District Judge Dickinson R. Debevoise of the District of New Jersey recounts his World War II combat experience and subsequent judicial career. Judge Debeboise, who sits in Newark, N.J., served in the U.S. Army from 1943-1945, retiring as a sergeant.

In this audio interview, U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Arthur L. Alarcon of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit recounts his World War II combat experience and subsequent judicial career. Judge Alarcon, who sits in Los Angeles, served in the U.S. Army from 1943-1946, retiring as a staff sergeant.

In this interview, U.S. District Judge Leonard D. Wexler of the Eastern District of New York recounts his World War II combat experience and subsequent judicial career. Judge Wexler, who sits in Central Islip, N.Y., served as a private in the U.S. Army from 1943-1945.

Seven decades after D-Day, nearly 70 World War II veterans continue to serve on the federal bench, and many carry full workloads, even in their 80s and 90s.

An interactive voice response system for bankruptcy case information now provides case information to callers in Spanish.

The federal judiciary, which administers the federal probation system, supports retroactive application of a proposed amendment to the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines that would lower penalties for most drug offenses.