Deskbook for Chief Judges of U.S. District Courts

Third Edition

Federal Judicial Center2003

This Federal Judicial Center publication was undertaken in furtherance of the Center’s statutory mission to develop and conduct education programsfor the judicial branch. The views expressed are those of the authors andnot necessarily those of the Federal Judicial Center.

This page is left blank intentionally to facilitate printing of this document double-sided.

iii

Summary Table of Contents

Foreword xiiiAbbreviations Used for Standard Sources xvI.The Office of Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court: History andCurrent Status 1II.The Chief District Judge as Leader 5III.Federal Judicial Administration at the National Level 25IV.Federal Judicial Administration at the Regional Level 39V.District Court Units and Personnel; Other Related Agencies 47VI.The Chief District Judge’s Management and Administrative Functions71VII.The Chief District Judge and Case Management: Responsibilities andOptions 97Selected Bibliography 117Index 121