NCJ Number
195094
Date Published
2001
Length
77 pages
Annotation
Based on the input of judges and clerks from courts that have "borrowed" visiting judges for Federal district courts, this is a guide to help Federal district judges craft and refine their own procedures for using a visiting judge or serving as one.
Abstract
The use of visiting judges is one method that has been successfully used to more effectively and efficiently manage rising caseloads in the Federal courts. In addition to helping with heavy caseloads, judges visit to assist in recusal situations, judicial illness or disability, or where judgeship vacancies exist. Data provided by the Administrative Office's Statistics Division indicate that in 1999, 87 active judges and 82 senior judges provided visitor services in 69 district courts. The first chapter of this guide reviews the authority for the use of visiting judges, followed by a chapter that outlines the steps for finding a visiting judge. These steps are distinguished according to whether the visiting judge is from within or outside the borrowing circuit. The third chapter provides recommendations for hosting a visiting judge. Suggestions are offered under the topics of planning and preparing for the visit, managing the visit, the impact of advances in technology on the use of visiting judges, record keeping, and essential ingredients for a successful visit. The fourth chapter addresses the procedures for obtaining an assignment as a visiting judge both within and outside one's circuit. The remaining chapters discuss what is involved in serving as a visiting judge and present case studies of successful visiting judge programs. Eight appendixes provide supplementary material and information.