Legal Definitions - Federal Judicial Code

The Federal Judicial Code refers to a specific section of federal law, known as Title 28 of the U.S. Code, which serves as the comprehensive rulebook for the entire federal court system in the United States. It outlines how these courts are structured, what types of cases they are authorized to hear (their "jurisdiction"), where those cases should geographically be filed (their "venue"), and the procedures they must follow. Additionally, it defines the roles and responsibilities of various court officers and personnel, such as judges, clerks, and marshals, and covers aspects related to the Department of Justice, which acts as the federal government's legal arm.

Here are some examples illustrating the Federal Judicial Code:

• Imagine a large corporation based in Delaware sues a competitor located in Texas for patent infringement. Because the lawsuit involves a federal law (patent law) and parties from different states, it would likely be heard in a federal court. The Federal Judicial Code would specify that federal courts have the authority (jurisdiction) to hear patent cases and would guide the parties on which specific federal district court (e.g., in Delaware or Texas) is the proper location (venue) for the lawsuit to proceed, based on where the companies operate or where the infringement occurred.

  This example demonstrates how the Code dictates which types of cases federal courts can hear and where those cases should be filed geographically within the federal system.

• When a new federal judge is appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, their position and the scope of their authority are defined by the Federal Judicial Code. The Code establishes the number of judgeships for each federal district court and circuit court of appeals, outlines the process for their appointment, and details their general duties. Similarly, it defines the roles of other essential court personnel, such as federal court clerks who manage case filings, or federal marshals who provide security and execute court orders.

  This illustrates how the Code governs the organization and structure of the federal judiciary and defines the roles of the individuals who work within it.

• Suppose the Department of Justice decides to prosecute an individual for a federal crime, such as cyber fraud that crosses state lines. The Federal Judicial Code contains the foundational procedural rules that federal prosecutors (who are part of the Department of Justice) and federal courts must follow. This includes regulations concerning how federal grand juries are convened, the process for filing indictments, and general rules of evidence and conduct within federal criminal proceedings, ensuring consistency and fairness across the federal system.

  This example shows how the Code sets the procedural framework for legal actions in federal courts and defines the operational context for federal agencies like the Department of Justice when they engage with the judicial system.