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FJC Statute

The Federal Judicial Center is the research and education agency of the judicial branch of the U.S. government. The Center was established by Congress in 1967 (28 U.S.C. §§ 620–629). At left, the Center’s statutory purpose is superimposed on the photo of the Thurgood Marshall Federal Judiciary Building in Washington, D.C., where the Center is located.

The Center's governing board is chaired by the Chief Justice of the United States. The other Board members are seven judges elected by the Judicial Conference of the United States, and the Director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.

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Clara Altman Appointed to Deputy Director

John Cooke

Federal Judicial Center Director John Cooke announced that the Board of the Center has appointed Clara Altman as the Center’s Deputy Director.

Ms. Altman has been the Director of the Center’s Federal Judicial History Office since 2015. She holds a B.A. from Washington University, a J.D. from Brooklyn Law School, and a Ph.D. in American History from Brandeis University. Under her leadership, the History Office has expanded its superb resources, and she has been a valuable member of the Center’s senior staff.

Director Cooke stated, “I am delighted that the Board appointed Clara Altman. She has the intellect, integrity, and interpersonal skills to help lead the Center in its service to the federal Judiciary and the public." Ms. Altman said, “I am honored to have been appointed and excited to continue to work with John and the Center’s remarkable staff in this new role.”

Ms. Altman assumed the position effective October 1, 2018.

Research About the Courts

The Center conducts research and issues reports on judiciary activities, including case management and court administration, and in cooperation with the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts maintains a public database of federal cases.

Education for the Courts

The Center educates federal judges and judiciary staff on law, case management, leadership, ethics, and court administration, using in-person programs, online resources, videos, and publications.

History of the Federal Judiciary

The Center collects and produces resources on the history of the federal courts, including judicial biographies, caseload data, the evolution of the courts’ structure and jurisdiction, and teaching materials.

International Judicial Relations

The Center provides information to help improve the administration of justice in other countries and gathers information from abroad that may inform the administration of justice in the United States.

Publications Catalog

View new Center publications, and search the catalog by author, title, and topic.

Special Topic Webpages

Curated collections of Center resources on discrete areas of law and judicial practice.