The Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts maintains uscourts.gov and describes itself as the “administrative arm of the federal Judiciary.” Established by Congress in 1939, the agency is directed and supervised by the Judicial Conference of the U.S. – the policy-making body of the federal judiciary, which is in turn made up of the chief justice of the Supreme Court, the chief justice of each circuit court, a representative from each district court, and the chief judge of the Court of International Trade.
The U.S. Courts’ website provides information for and about the federal judiciary. Visitors can find an interactive map that links to circuit, district and bankruptcy court websites in the Court Links section. The website also has an educational publication that provides an overview of the federal judicial system, including a listing of common legal terms and a description of federal court structure. A more in-depth guide to the federal courts that is specifically geared toward journalists is also provided. Additionally, information regarding judicial vacancies, compensation and history can be found in the Judges and Judgeships section. Extensive statistics including judicial caseloads can be found in the comprehensive library section. The U.S. Courts website even explains procedures and interactions an ordinary citizen may encounter within the judicial system, such as filing a suit or finding a lawyer.
Comments: The U.S. Courts’ website provides extensive and nonpartisan information regarding all aspects of the federal judiciary.