Dear LWV of South Central TX Members,

At the LWVUS 2024 National Convention, delegates approved a fast-track study on the federal judiciary, with findings to be announced at the LWVUS 2025 Council in June 2025. All state and local Leagues have been invited to participate by responding to a set of questions that will inform the development of a League position on this topic. Participation is vitally important so that the new position can credibly represent the opinions of League members.

Study Focus

The study examines critical aspects of our federal judiciary, including:

- Judicial accountability
- Transparency measures
- Independence of the courts
- Ethical standards and practices

This comprehensive review covers both the Supreme Court and all Article III federal courts.

Your Participation Matters

Our League invites all members to contribute by completing a 12-question survey by April 1, 2025. Your input will inform our League's submission to the national study (due April 14).

Survey Link: Federal Judiciary Study Questionnaire

The questionnaire presents 12 statements about the judiciary, asking you to indicate whether you:

- Strongly agree
- Moderately agree
- Moderately disagree
- Strongly disagree

Space is provided after each question for optional comments.

Background Resources

 

To help inform your responses, LWVUS recommends these resources:

Understanding Federal Courts - An introduction to the federal justice system from the Administrative Office of the United States Courts.
U.S. Code of Conduct for U.S. Judges - Outlines ethical principles and guidance for federal judges regarding official duties and outside activities.
Congressional Research Service Paper: "The Supreme Court Adopts a Code of Conduct" - Provides background on federal judicial ethics rules and summarizes the recently adopted Supreme Court Code of Conduct.

 

If you want to dig even further, check out this page on the LWVUS website for additional resources: https://www.lwv.org/league-management/advocacy-litigation/2024-2025-federal-judiciary-study-process-committee-and
 
Submit Your Responses

Please complete the questionnaire by April 1: Federal Judiciary Study Questionnaire

Thank you for participating in this timely and important study!

In League,
Janis Richardson President

lwvsouthcentraltx@gmail.com