The judiciary needs judicious growth
Article Abstract:
Federal court congestion has spurred recognition of the need for an increase in federal judgeships. Federal district judges are trial judges who work alone, so increasing their number would probably not affect the court's work flow adversely. Circuit judges interact directly, however, so collegiality is all-important. Since circuit court and judges need time to get used to each other, it would be unwise to increase the judges' number by more than 15 to 20% every three years. The courts rather than Congress should develop the principles according to which they wish to expand.
Publication Name: The National Law Journal
Subject: Law
ISSN: 0162-7325
Year: 1993
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More judges, less justice; the case against expansion of the federal judiciary
Article Abstract:
Stephen Reinhardt's suggestion that the number of federal circuit court judges be doubled is ill-advised. Indeed, most circuits have too many judges rather than too few. The productivity of individual judges decreases as court size increases because more of their time must be spent monitoring their colleagues' opinions. The disadvantages of adding new judges should not be forgotten. They diminish court efficiency and undermine collegiality. Larger appellate courts also affect the law's clarity and stability adversely, making for new incentives to litigate.
Publication Name: ABA Journal
Subject: Law
ISSN: 0747-0088
Year: 1993
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So you want to become a federal judge by 35? Follow these instructions and, who knows, maybe they'll work for you too
Article Abstract:
Lawyers interested in becoming federal judges should get into politics. Judicial selection is a partisan political process, even though judging is not. Political activities should include getting to know the senator from your state, making friends in both political parties and if possible becoming employed in Washington. Lawyers should come close to the line between being persistent and being a bother, but be careful not to cross that line.
Publication Name: The National Law Journal
Subject: Law
ISSN: 0162-7325
Year: 1996
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