Bankruptcy News

1. Judicial Conference Briefed on the Need for Continued Vigilance on Cybersecurity and Workplace Conduct

   The Judiciary has strengthened its IT defenses against cyberattacks, a meeting of the Judicial Conference of the United States was told on Tuesday. But the threat is growing in scale and sophistication, requiring even greater vigilance against attacks from individuals and unfriendly nations.

2. Students Have Candid Conversations with the Legal Community

   Students participated in candid conversations about the Constitution with federal judges and attorneys, as a part of the Federal Bar Association’s annual Civics Day.

3. New Supreme Court Fellows Begin Term

   Four new U.S. Supreme Court Fellows are set to begin their 2024-2025 fellowships in September.

4. Criminal Justice Act: Protecting the Right to Counsel for 60 Years

   For 60 years, the Criminal Justice Act has ensured that defendants who cannot afford to retain an attorney receive professional legal counsel by providing funding for court-appointed counsel in federal cases.

5. Applications Open for PACER User Group

   The federal Judiciary is accepting applications for membership in its public user group that provides advice and feedback on ways to improve electronic public access (EPA) services.

6. Bankruptcy Filings Rise 16.2 Percent

   Personal and business bankruptcy filings rose 16.2 percent in the twelve-month period ending June 30, 2024, compared with the previous year.

7. Probation and Pretrial Officers Help Bring Positive Change in the Community

   U.S. probation and pretrial officers must balance two very important goals: protecting public safety and helping people they oversee make positive changes in their lives. In recognition of National Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Supervision (PPPS) Week, a new video explains the work of officers and their unique roles in the administration of justice, providing insight into how they do their jobs effectively.

8. 2023 Wiretap Report: Intercepts Fall, Arrests Rise

   Federal and state courts reported a combined 13 percent decrease in authorized wiretaps in 2023, compared with 2022, according to the Judiciary’s 2023 Wiretap Report. Arrests in cases involving electronic surveillance increased, while convictions decreased.

9. No Funds Available for Additional Chapter 7 Trustee Payments

   The Department of Justice (DOJ) has advised the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts that it has no funds available to transfer to the Judiciary to make additional payments to eligible chapter 7 bankruptcy trustees for fiscal year 2023.

10. Program Recalls Courage of Fred Korematsu and his Fight for Justice

    Honolulu high school students experienced the journey of Fred Korematsu firsthand during a courtroom reenactment of Korematsu’s fight for racial justice that included the attorneys who represented him.