THE FEDERAL JUDICIAL CENTER

The Federal Judicial Center is the research, development, and training arm of the federal judicial system. It was established by Congress in 1967 (28 U.S.C. §§ 620-629), on the recommendation of the Judicial Conference of the United States.

By statute, the Chief Justice of the United States is chairman of the Center's Board, which also includes the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts and five judges elected by the Judicial Conference.

The Center's Continuing Education and Training Division conducts seminars, workshops, and short courses for all thirdbranch personnel. These programs range from orientation seminars for judges to on-site management training for supporting personnel.

The Research Division undertakes empirical and exploratory research on federal judicial processes, court management, and sentencing and its consequences, usually at the request of the Judicial Conference and its committees, the courts themselves, or other groups in the federal court system.

The Innovations and Systems Development Division designs and helps the courts implement new technologies, generally under the mantle of Courtran II-a multipurpose, computerized court and case management system developed by the division.

The Inter-Judicial Affairs and Information Services Division maintains liaison with state and foreign judges and judicial organizations. The Center's library, which specializes in judicial administration, is located within this division.

The Center's main facility is the historic Dolley Madison House, located on Lafayette Square in Washington, D.C.

Copies of Center publications can be obtained from the Center's Information Services office, 1520 H Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005; the telephone number is 202/633-6365.