At the 2024 LWVUS Convention, Leagues overwhelmingly agreed to conduct a new national study on the Federal Judiciary. The study will be completed in a shortened time frame — conducted in just one year, with the final position set to be announced at LWVUS Council in June 2025.  

A Committee has been appointed and will be led by Kimberley Fraser (DC), LWVEF trustee. The Committee also includes Helen Hutchison (CA), Cecile Scoon (FL), Judy Ball (WV), Joan Hunault (MI), Susan Hart (TX), and Nan Shuker (DC).

Scope

• To develop a LWV position on the Federal Judiciary as an essential component of US democracy.
• The study's purpose 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 the other Article III federal courts.

To participate in the study, you must be a member of the LWV.

Preliminary Background Information:

Added 11/18/2024

Understanding 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.

U.S 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.