JudgeShopping

Exclusive Docket Dilemma: Uncovering the Risks of Judge-Shopping in America’s Court System

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Washington, D.C. — In the intricate labyrinth of the U.S. legal system, the practice commonly referred to as “judge-shopping” raises significant ethical questions and concerns about the fairness of judicial processes. This practice involves litigants attempting to have their cases heard by what they perceive to be favorable judges. It underscores a fundamental dilemma about the randomness and impartiality that are supposed to underpin the American judicial system. Judge-shopping can distort the justice trajectory as parties involved in a lawsuit might seek out a judge thought to be more likely to rule in their favor, … Read more

U.S. Judicial Conference Takes Action to Curb “Judge-Shopping” Amid Public Backlash

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WASHINGTON – The U.S. Judicial Conference recently issued new guidance that aims to make “judge-shopping” more difficult in the federal judiciary, following criticism from prominent Republicans in Congress. This term refers to the practice of conservative lawyers strategically selecting judges with similar ideologies for their cases. The guidance, approved on Tuesday, emphasizes that the new policies should not limit a court’s authority or discretion. Instead, they provide ways for courts to align their case assignment practices with the long-standing policy of random case assignment. The objective is to crack down on lawyers who engage in … Read more