In addition to the courts themselves, the judicial branch of the U.S. government includes several bodies that provide for its administration and self-government. (See Figure 5. )
The federal court system governs itself on the national level through the Judicial Conference of the United States. The Judicial Conference is a body of 27 federal judges. It is composed of the Chief Justice of the United States, who serves as the presiding officer; the chief judges of the 13 courts of appeal; the chief judge of the Court of International Trade; and 12 district judges from the regional circuits who are chosen by the judges of their circuit to serve terms of three years. The Judicial Conference meets twice yearly to consider policy issues affecting the federal courts, to make recommendations to Congress on legislation affecting the judicial system, to propose amendments to the federal rules of practice and procedure, and to consider the administrative problems of the courts.
Much of the work of the Judicial Conference is done in committees composed primarily of federal judges.
Committees of the Judicial Conference
Executive Committee
Committee on the Administrative Office
Committee on Automation and Technology
Committee on Administration of the Bankruptcy System
Committee on the Budget
Committee on the Codes of Conduct
Committee on Court Administration and Case Management
Committee on Criminal Law
Committee on Defender Services
Committee on Federal-State Jurisdiction
Committee on Financial Disclosure
Committee on Intercircuit Assignments
Committee on International Judicial Relations
Committee on the Judicial Branch
Committee on Judicial Resources
Committee on Administration of the Magistrate Judges System
Committee to Review Circuit Council Conduct and Disability Orders
Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure
Advisory Committee on Appellate Rules
Advisory Committee on Bankruptcy Rules
Advisory Committee on Civil Rules
Advisory Committee on Criminal Rules
Advisory Committee on Evidence Rules
Committee on Security and Facilities
