The primary function of the Circuit Judicial Council is to improve the administration of justice within the circuit by acting on issues that affect the internal operations of the entire circuit. The Council is empowered by statute to "...make all necessary and appropriate orders for the effective and expeditious administration of justice within its circuit" (28 U.S.C. §§ 332 (d)(1)). Within this broad grant of supervisory power, the Council has two important mandates: formulation of circuit policy and implementation of policy directives received from the United States Judicial Conference and, in some instances, the Congress. The law provides that councils must consist of the Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals and an equal number of circuit and district court judges.

Circuit Judicial Council Members