This report evaluates the use of certified questions of state law between 2010 and 2018 in three U.S. circuit courts of appeal: the Ninth, Sixth, and Third Circuits. The data shows variation in the rate of certification and timing of certification events between the circuits.

This package of materials was transmitted to Congress on April 27, 2020, concerning amendments to the Federal Rules of Practice and Procedure to become effective on December 1, 2020.

Amendments to the Federal Rules of Practice and Procedure are as follows:

This package of materials was transmitted to the U.S. Supreme Court on October 23, 2019, concerning amendments to the Federal Rules of Practice and Procedure to become effective on December 1, 2020.

Social Security disability cases pose many challenges. In practice, federal court review of Social Security agency decisions differs widely from district to district and from circuit to circuit.