Welcome to the website of the Standing Committee on Federal Judicial Improvements.The Standing Committee is the only ABA entity dedicated entirely to the substantive issues affecting the federal judiciary. It serves a unique and vital role in developing policy for the Association on issues relating to the federal judiciary, as well as monitoring Congressional activity that affects the judicial branch. The composition of the Standing Committee provides for a broad representation of experience and viewpoints by bringing together federal judges, academics, and practicing attorneys.
The committee studies and makes recommendations for improving the federal judicial system, works to maintain an effective liaison with the federal judiciary and other appropriate governmental and non-governmental entities involved in judicial reform, and coordinates activities within the ABA relating to improvements in the federal judicial system.
The Standing Committee is housed within the American Bar Association's Justice Center.
Judge M. Margaret McKeown, Chair
Standing Committee on Federal Judicial Improvements
Mission
It is the mission of the Standing Committee on Federal Judicial Improvements to: (1) coordinate activities within the Association relating to improvements in the federal judicial system; (2) maintain effective liaison with other institutions working on judicial reform and with the federal judiciary and other appropriate government officials; and (3) study and make recommendations for improving the federal judicial system.
Committee Members
The Standing Committee consists of nine members (including one chair) appointed to serve three-year terms by the President of the American Bar Association. Click here to view a current roster of committee members.
Academic Advisory Board Members
The Standing Committee has recently established an Academic Advisory Board. Click here to view a current roster of its members.
ABA Annual Meeting
August 7-12, 2008
New York, NY
Current projects include an examination of the various issues raised by the recent controversy over privately funded judicial education seminars. To determine how (or if) the ABA should respond to legislation that is expected to be re-introduced during the 107th Congress, regarding restrictions on participation in judicial seminars, FJIC has undertaken an examination of the current state of federal judicial education, both in terms of what is currently offered, by whom, their funding sources, ethical considerations, etc., what additional educational opportunities judges want or need in order to function optimally, and optimal modes of delivery. FJIC may develop a program for the ABA Annual Meeting on this topic and may ultimately present its findings and conclusions in the form of a full-fledged report, rather than just a proposal to the House of Delegates.
The Standing Committee on Federal Judicial Improvements is submitting the below Resolution to the HOD for review at the 2008 Annual Meeting.
Resolution Supporting Bipartisan Commissions to Recommend Candidates for Nomination to the Federal Bench
To purchase the 2007 Edition of the Model Code of Judicial Conduct click here.
Entities within the American Bar Association Justice
Center have a number of programs available for judges interested
in participating in outreach programs. These programs offer an opportunity
for judges and attorneys to go out to the community and discuss
the justice system, the role of judges and the importance of judicial
independence. Here are some helpful links:
Judges Outreach Network
National Issues Forum
Judicial
Independence Kit
Dialogue
on Freedom
