This manual seeks to promote cooperation between state and federal courts and provides many practical ways of doing so. It contains examples of practical steps state and federal judges and courts can take to save resources through sharing or other means, to avoid scheduling or other conflicts that adversely affect court operations and the bar, and plan programs and other services that benefit both judiciaries. This manual also includes sample forms that provide the means to these ends.

An ongoing compilation of information that federal district judges have found useful for immediate bench or chambers reference. The Benchbook contains sections on such topics as assignment of counsel, taking guilty pleas, model sentencing forms, standard voir dire questions, and oaths. It is prepared under the guidance of experienced district judges and is produced in loose-leaf format for easy supplementation.

This manual provides trial judges a handbook on managing civil cases. It sets out a wide array of case-management techniques, beginning with case filing and concluding with steps for streamlining trials and discusses a number of special topics, including pro se and high visibility cases, the role of staff, and automation that supports case management.