Federal Court System Strains Under Heavy Workload: A Call for More Judges

The backlog in U.S. federal courts is becoming an urgent crisis, demanding legislative intervention to prevent justice delays.

Quick Takes

A federal circuit judge urged the necessity for more federal judges.
President Biden vetoed legislation meant to increase the number of judges.
The House Judiciary Subcommittee is conducting a hearing on the crisis.
Significant case delays impact public confidence in the justice system.

Need for More Judges

Federal courts in the U.S. are overwhelmed by increasing caseloads. The Judicial Conference has recommended the creation of new judgeships to help speed up justice delivery. Judge Timothy M. Tymkovich addressed Congress, representing the Judicial Conference, to advocate for more district and appeals court judgeships. Rising caseloads with insufficient judges lead to significant delays in justice delivery, impacting public confidence and leading to higher costs for litigants.

Data shows that district court filings have risen by 30% since 1990, while judgeships have only increased by 4% since 1991. The current shortage results in delays affecting the resolution of both civil and criminal cases. A formal survey process assesses judgeship needs based on workload, and the Judicial Conference publishes weighted filing data to provide insights into the issue.

Presidential Veto and Legislative Challenges

President Joe Biden vetoed legislation aimed at increasing the number of federal judges, which was intended to reduce the pressure on the federal court system. This decision leaves federal courts facing substantial challenges in managing their mounting caseloads, further contributing to the delays in delivering justice efficiently. Legislative action remains critical to addressing these delays, and the role of Congress in approving more judgeships is essential in this context.

The House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet has scheduled a hearing titled “Justice Delayed: The Crisis of Undermanned Federal Courts” for February 25, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. ET. This hearing will tackle the shortage of judges and its impact on the federal justice system, emphasizing the urgent need for additional judgeships.

Conclusion

Expanding federal judgeships is a pressing necessity to alleviate the overwhelming backlog experienced across U.S. courts. Without intervention, the delays can erode public confidence, making it essential for Congress to take decisive action. Judge Tymkovich’s testimony reflects the critical nature of this issue and the need for immediate legislative support to uphold the integrity and efficiency of the justice system.

Prompt and efficient justice is foundational to maintaining public trust in the judiciary. Addressing the judge shortage through recommended legislative measures is crucial to ensuring the federal courts can keep pace with their ever-increasing duties.