Federal Judiciary Study - League of Women Voters Larimer County

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About the National Federal Judiciary Study

At the LWVUS 2024 Convention, delegates voted to proceed with a study on the federal Judiciary. The study will be completed on a fast-track timeline in time for a position to be announced at the LWVUS 2025 Council in June 2025.

The Federal Juidiciary Study Committee will offer multiple opportunities for Leagues to ask questions about the study, hear about the committee's work, and also learn about this issue.

Scope of the Study

To develop an LWV position on the Federal Judiciary as an essential component of US democracy. The purpose of the study includes but is not limited to: addressing concerns and clarifying judicial accountability, transparency, independence, and ethics. The scope addresses the Supreme Court as well as all other federal court levels.

Timeline

A timeline is still being fleshed out, but we do know local Leagues will be required to meet to discuss and answer the Consensus Questions between February 7 and April 14, 2025.

Study Resources

All League members across the country will have opportunities to contribute to this study, with critical responsibilities coming in the spring, when local Leagues will discuss and answer Consensus Questions developed and circulated by the LWVUS Study Committee.

The best way to prepare to participate in discussion and answering the Consensus Questions is to read the recommended Study Resources below.

Preliminary Background Information:

Understanding the Federal Courts- This publication is from the Administrative Office of the United States Courts. It provides an introduction to the federal justice system, including how it is organized and how it relates to the legislative and administrative branches of government.

Code of Conduct for U.S. Judges - This document includes the ethical principles that apply to federal judges and provides guidance on the official duties and engagements related to outside activities for federal judges.

Congressional Research Service Paper: The Supreme Court Adopts a Code of Conduct - This document was published following the announcement of the US Supreme Court's adoption of the Code of Conduct and provides a legal sidebar with background information on federal judicial ethics rules before the adoption of the Code and briefly outlines the substance of the code adopted.