CHAPTER 51—UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
794.
Law clerks and secretaries.
795.
Bailiffs and messengers.
796.
Reporting of court proceedings.
797.
Recall of retired judges.
798.
Places of holding court; appointment of special masters.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1992—Pub. L. 102–572, title IX, §902(a)(1), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4516, substituted "UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS" for "UNITED STATES CLAIMS COURT" as chapter heading.
1984—Pub. L. 98–620, title IV, §416(b), Nov. 8, 1984, 98 Stat. 3364, added item 798.
1982—Pub. L. 97–164, title I, §121(b), (c)(2), (d)(2), (f)(2), (g)(2), Apr. 2, 1982, 96 Stat. 34–36, substituted "UNITED STATES CLAIMS COURT" for "COURT OF CLAIMS" as chapter heading and, in analysis of sections in the chapter, struck out item 792 "Commissioners" substituted "Law clerks and secretaries" for "Stenographers and clerical employees" in item 794, substituted "Bailiffs and messengers" for "Bailiff and messenger" in item 795, and substituted "judges" for "commissioners" in item 797.
1972—Pub. L. 92–375, §1, Aug. 10, 1972, 86 Stat. 529, added item 797.
1970—Pub. L. 91–272, §15(b), June 2, 1970, 84 Stat. 298, added item 796.
1954—Act Sept. 3, 1954, ch. 1263, §40, 68 Stat. 1240, struck out item 793 "Reporter-commissioners; stenographers".
§791. Clerk
(a) The United States Court of Federal Claims may appoint a clerk, who shall be subject to removal by the court. The clerk, with the approval of the court, may appoint necessary deputies and employees in such numbers as may be approved by the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts. Such deputies and employees shall be subject to removal by the clerk with the approval of the court.
(b) The clerk shall pay into the Treasury all fees, costs and other moneys collected by him. He shall make returns thereof to the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts under regulations prescribed by him.
(c) On the first day of every regular session of Congress, the clerk shall transmit to Congress a full and complete statement of all the judgments rendered by the court during the previous year, showing the dates and amounts thereof and the parties in whose favor they were rendered, together with a brief synopsis of the nature of the claims upon which they were rendered, and a statement of the costs taxed in each case.
(June 25, 1948, ch. 646, 62 Stat. 923; Pub. L. 97–164, title I, §121(a), Apr. 2, 1982, 96 Stat. 34; Pub. L. 102–572, title IX, §902(a)(1), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4516.)
Historical and Revision Notes
Based on title 28, U.S.C., 1940 ed., §§244, 248, 283a and 289 (Mar. 3, 1911, ch. 231, §§139, 143, 183, 36 Stat. 1136, 1142; June 10, 1921, ch. 18, §§301, 302, 310, 42 Stat. 23, 25, Mar. 3, 1933, ch. 212, title II, §19, 47 Stat. 1519; May 10, 1934, ch. 277, §512(b), 48 Stat. 759).
This section consolidates a part of sections 244 and 248 with sections 283a and 289, all of title 28, U.S.C., 1940 ed.
Provisions in section 248 of title 28, U.S.C., 1940 ed., for distribution by the clerk of copies of the court's decisions is incorporated in section 415 of this title.
Certain provisions of section 244 of title 28, U.S.C., 1940 ed., relating to the bailiff and the chief messenger of the Court of Claims, and powers and duties of the clerk, his deputies and assistants, are incorporated in sections 795 and 956 of this title.
A provision in section 244 of title 28, U.S.C., 1940 ed., relating to the oath of the clerk of such court was omitted as covered by section 951 of this title.
Word "clerk" was substituted for "chief clerk" to harmonize with such designation of clerks of all other courts.
Provision that such officers shall be under the direction of the court in the performance of their duties was omitted as superfluous.
Provision in section 244 of title 28, U.S.C., 1940 ed., that the clerk and assistant shall be subject to removal by the Court was substituted for the grounds of misconduct or incapacity. This change is in harmony with like provisions as to the clerks of other courts.
Section 289 of title 28, U.S.C., 1940 ed., required the Attorney General to duplicate the reporting to Congress of judgments which are furnished by the clerk. The revised section eliminates such duplication by requiring the clerk to transmit the information to Congress.
Words "Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts" were substituted for "Attorney General," in view of the act of August 7, 1939, ch. 501, §6, 53 Stat. 1226, 28 U.S.C., 1940 ed., following §446.
As revised, this section is consistent with similar provisions as to clerks of district courts and the courts of appeals in chapters 47 and 49 of this title.
Changes in phraseology were made.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1992—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–572 substituted "United States Court of Federal Claims" for "United States Claims Court".
1982—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 97–164 substituted "The United States Claims Court may appoint a clerk, who shall be subject to removal by the court" for "The Court of Claims may appoint a clerk and an assistant clerk, each of whom shall be subject to removal by the court" and "The clerk, with the approval of the court, may appoint necessary deputies and employees in such numbers as may be approved by the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts. Such deputies and employees shall be subject to removal by the clerk with the approval of the court" for "The court shall report any such removal and the cause thereof to Congress as soon as possible".
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1992 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 102–572 effective Oct. 29, 1992, see section 911 of Pub. L. 102–572, set out as a note under section 171 of this title.
Effective Date of 1982 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 97–164 effective Oct. 1, 1982, see section 402 of Pub. L. 97–164, set out as a note under section 171 of this title.
Termination of Reporting Requirements
For termination, effective May 15, 2000, of provisions in subsec. (c) of this section requiring transmittal to Congress of an annual statement relating to judgments rendered by the court, see section 3003 of Pub. L. 104–66, as amended, set out as a note under section 1113 of Title 31, Money and Finance, and page 13 of House Document No. 103–7.
Section, acts June 25, 1948, ch. 646, 62 Stat. 923; July 28, 1953, ch. 253, §4(a), 67 Stat. 226; Sept. 3, 1954, ch. 1263, §41, 68 Stat. 1240; Aug. 14, 1964, Pub. L. 88–426, title IV, §403(h), 78 Stat. 434; Oct. 15, 1966, Pub. L. 89–681, §3, 80 Stat. 959; Dec. 16, 1967, Pub. L. 90–206, title II, §213(e), 81 Stat. 635; Aug. 9, 1975, Pub. L. 94–82, title II, §205(b)(7), 89 Stat. 423; July 20, 1977, Pub. L. 95–69, §3, 91 Stat. 274, provided for appointment by Court of Claims and compensation of sixteen commissioners.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of Repeal
Repeal effective Oct. 1, 1982, see section 402 of Pub. L. 97–164, set out as an Effective Date of 1982 Amendment note under section 171 of this title.
Section, act June 25, 1948, ch. 646, 62 Stat. 924, related to appointment of reporter-commissioners by Court of Claims and employment of stenographers therefor.
§794. Law clerks and secretaries
The judges of the United States Court of Federal Claims may appoint necessary law clerks and secretaries, in such numbers as the Judicial Conference of the United States may approve for district judges, subject to any limitation of the aggregate salaries of such employees which may be imposed by law. A law clerk appointed under this section shall be exempt from the provisions of subchapter I of chapter 63 of title 5, unless specifically included by the appointing judge or by local rule of court.
(June 25, 1948, ch. 646, 62 Stat. 924; Pub. L. 97–164, title I, §121(c)(1), Apr. 2, 1982, 96 Stat. 34; Pub. L. 100–702, title X, §1003(a)(3), Nov. 19, 1988, 102 Stat. 4665; Pub. L. 102–572, title IX, §§902(a)(1), 905, Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4516, 4517.)
Historical and Revision Notes
Based on title 28, U.S.C., 1940 ed., §270 (Feb. 24, 1925, ch. 301, §2, 43 Stat. 965; May 29, 1928, ch. 852, §711, 45 Stat. 882; June 23, 1930, ch. 573, §1, 46 Stat. 799; Oct. 16, 1941, ch. 443, 55 Stat. 741).
The first sentence of the revised section makes express provision for appointment of stenographers and necessary clerical employees.
Other provisions of section 270 of title 28, U.S.C., 1940 ed., are incorporated in sections 456 and 792 of this title.
Specific provision for $5 per diem for stenographers is omitted as unnecessary and inconsistent with section 962 of this title. Travel and subsistence allowances of Government employees are governed by sections 822–833 of title 5, U.S.C., 1940 ed., Executive Departments and Government Officers and Employees.
Changes were made in phraseology.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1992—Pub. L. 102–572 substituted "United States Court of Federal Claims" for "United States Claims Court" and inserted "for district judges" after "may approve" in first sentence.
1988—Pub. L. 100–702 inserted at end "A law clerk appointed under this section shall be exempt from the provisions of subchapter I of chapter 63 of title 5, unless specifically included by the appointing judge or by local rule of court."
1982—Pub. L. 97–164 substituted "Law clerks and secretaries" for "Stenographers and clerical employees" as section catchline and, in text, substituted "The judges of the United States Claims Court may appoint necessary law clerks and secretaries, in such numbers as the Judicial Conference of the United States may approve, subject to any limitation of the aggregate salaries of such employees which may be imposed by law" for "The Court of Claims shall appoint stenographers and other clerical employees in such numbers as may be necessary each of whom shall be subject to removal by the court".
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1992 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 102–572 effective Oct. 29, 1992, see section 911 of Pub. L. 102–572, set out as a note under section 171 of this title.
Effective Date of 1982 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 97–164 effective Oct. 1, 1982, see section 402 of Pub. L. 97–164, set out as a note under section 171 of this title.
§795. Bailiffs and messengers
The chief judge of 1 United States Court of Federal Claims, with the approval of the court, may appoint necessary bailiffs and messengers, in such numbers as the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts may approve, each of whom shall be subject to removal by the chief judge, with the approval of the court.
(June 25, 1948, ch. 646, 62 Stat. 924; Pub. L. 97–164, title I, §121(d)(1), Apr. 2, 1982, 96 Stat. 35; Pub. L. 102–572, title IX, §902(a)(1), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4516.)
Historical and Revision Notes
Based on title 28, U.S.C., 1940 ed., §244 (Mar. 3, 1911, ch. 231, §139, 36 Stat. 1136).
The provision in section 244 of title 28, U.S.C., 1940 ed., that the bailiff should serve 4 years unless sooner removed by the court for cause, was changed by omitting the 4-year tenure and removal "for cause" requirement. As revised this section conforms with sections relating to the similar court officers.
Term "chief messenger" in section 244 of title 28, U.S.C., 1940 ed., was changed to "messenger" as the court has but one messenger.
A provision of section 244 of title 28, U.S.C., 1940 ed., providing for appointment of a clerk and assistant is incorporated in section 791 of this title, and a provision thereof, relating to powers and duties of the clerk, his deputies and assistants, is incorporated in section 956 of this title.
The second paragraph was added to conform with sections 713, 755, and 834 of this title.
Changes were made in phraseology.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1992—Pub. L. 102–572 substituted "United States Court of Federal Claims" for "United States Claims Court".
1982—Pub. L. 97–164 substituted "Bailiffs and messengers" for "Bailiff and messenger" in section catchline and, in text, substituted "The chief judge of United States Claims Court, with the approval of the court, may appoint necessary bailiffs and messengers, in such numbers as the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts may approve, each of whom shall be subject to removal by the chief judge, with the approval of the court" for "The Court of Claims may appoint a bailiff and a messenger who shall be subject to removal by the court" and struck out provision that the bailiff attend the court, preserve order, and perform such other necessary duties as the court might direct.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1992 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 102–572 effective Oct. 29, 1992, see section 911 of Pub. L. 102–572, set out as a note under section 171 of this title.
Effective Date of 1982 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 97–164 effective Oct. 1, 1982, see section 402 of Pub. L. 97–164, set out as a note under section 171 of this title.
§796. Reporting of court proceedings
Subject to the approval of the United States Court of Federal Claims, the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts is authorized to contract for the reporting of all proceedings had in open court, and in such contract to fix the terms and conditions under which such reporting services shall be performed, including the terms and conditions under which transcripts shall be supplied by the contractor to the court and to other persons, departments, and agencies.
(Added Pub. L. 91–272, §15(a), June 2, 1970, 84 Stat. 298; amended Pub. L. 97–164, title I, §121(e), Apr. 2, 1982, 96 Stat. 35; Pub. L. 102–572, title IX, §902(a)(1), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4516.)
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1992—Pub. L. 102–572 substituted "United States Court of Federal Claims" for "United States Claims Court".
1982—Pub. L. 97–164 substituted "Subject to the approval of the United States Claims Court, the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts" for "The Court of Claims".
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1992 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 102–572 effective Oct. 29, 1992, see section 911 of Pub. L. 102–572, set out as a note under section 171 of this title.
Effective Date of 1982 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 97–164 effective Oct. 1, 1982, see section 402 of Pub. L. 97–164, set out as a note under section 171 of this title.
§797. Recall of retired judges
(a)(1) Any judge of the United States Court of Federal Claims who has retired from regular active service under subchapter III of chapter 83, or chapter 84, of title 5 shall be known and designated as a senior judge and may perform duties as a judge when recalled pursuant to subsection (b) of this section.
(2) Any judge of the Court of Federal Claims receiving an annuity under section 178(c) of this title (pertaining to disability) who, in the estimation of the chief judge, has recovered sufficiently to render judicial service, shall be known and designated as a senior judge and may perform duties as a judge when recalled under subsection (b) of this section.
(b) The chief judge of the Court of Federal Claims may, whenever he deems it advisable, recall any senior judge, with such judge's consent, to perform such duties as a judge and for such period of time as the chief judge may specify.
(c) Any senior judge performing duties pursuant to this section shall not be counted as a judge for purposes of the number of judgeships authorized by section 171 of this title.
(d) Any senior judge, while performing duties pursuant to this section, shall be paid the same allowances for travel and other expenses as a judge in active service. Such senior judge shall also receive from the Court of Federal Claims supplemental pay in an amount sufficient, when added to his retirement annuity, to equal the salary of a judge in active service for the same period or periods of time. Such supplemental pay shall be paid in the same manner as the salary of a judge.
(Added Pub. L. 92–375, §2, Aug. 10, 1972, 86 Stat. 529; amended Pub. L. 97–164, title I, §121(f)(1), Apr. 2, 1982, 96 Stat. 35; Pub. L. 99–651, title II, §202(c), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3648; Pub. L. 102–572, title IX, §§902(a), 904(b), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4516, 4517; Pub. L. 106–518, title III, §308, Nov. 13, 2000, 114 Stat. 2419.)
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2000—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 106–518 designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).
1992—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–572, §902(a)(1), substituted "United States Court of Federal Claims" for "United States Claims Court".
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102–572, §902(a)(2), substituted "Court of Federal Claims" for "Claims Court".
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 102–572, §§902(a)(2), 904(b), substituted "Court of Federal Claims" for "Claims Court" and struck out "civil service" before "retirement annuity".
1986—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 99–651 inserted reference to chapter 84 of title 5.
1982—Pub. L. 97–164 substituted "judges" for "commissioners" in section catchline.
Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 97–164 substituted "Any judge of the United States Claims Court who has retired from regular active service under subchapter III of chapter 83 of title 5 shall be known and designated as a senior judge and may perform duties as a judge when recalled pursuant to subsection (b) of this section" for "Any commissioner who has retired from regular active service under the Civil Service Retirement Act shall be known and designated as a senior commissioner and may perform duties as a commissioner when recalled pursuant to subsection (b) of this section".
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 97–164 substituted "The chief judge of the Claims Court may, whenever he deems it advisable, recall any senior judge, with such judge's consent, to perform such duties as a judge and for such period of time as the chief judge may specify" for "The United States Court of Claims, whenever it deems such action advisable, may recall any senior commissioner, with the latter's acquiescence, to perform such duties as a commissioner and for such period of time as the court may specify".
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 97–164 substituted "Any senior judge performing duties pursuant to this section shall not be counted as a judge for purposes of the number of judgeships authorized by section 171 of this title" for "Any senior commissioner performing duties pursuant to this section shall not be counted as a commissioner for purposes of the number of commissioner positions authorized by section 792 of this title".
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 97–164 substituted "judge" for "commissioner" wherever appearing, "Such senior judge" for "He", and "Claims Court" for "Court of Claims".
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1992 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 102–572 effective Oct. 29, 1992, see section 911 of Pub. L. 102–572, set out as a note under section 171 of this title.
Effective Date of 1986 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 99–651 effective Jan. 1, 1987, see section 203 of Pub. L. 99–651, set out as a note under section 155 of this title.
Effective Date of 1982 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 97–164 effective Oct. 1, 1982, see section 402 of Pub. L. 97–164, set out as a note under section 171 of this title.
§798. Places of holding court; appointment of special masters
(a) The United States Court of Federal Claims is authorized to use facilities and hold court in Washington, District of Columbia, and throughout the United States (including its territories and possessions) as necessary for compliance with sections 173 and 2503(c) of this title. The facilities of the Federal courts, as well as other comparable facilities administered by the General Services Administration, shall be made available for trials and other proceedings outside of the District of Columbia.
(b) Upon application of a party or upon the judge's own initiative, and upon a showing that the interests of economy, efficiency, and justice will be served, the chief judge of the Court of Federal Claims may issue an order authorizing a judge of the court to conduct proceedings, including evidentiary hearings and trials, in a foreign country whose laws do not prohibit such proceedings, except that an interlocutory appeal may be taken from such an order pursuant to section 1292(d)(2) of this title, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit may, in its discretion, consider the appeal.
(c) The chief judge of the Court of Federal Claims may appoint special masters to assist the court in carrying out its functions. Any special masters so appointed shall carry out their responsibilities and be compensated in accordance with procedures set forth in the rules of the court.
(Added Pub. L. 98–620, title IV, §416(a), Nov. 8, 1984, 98 Stat. 3364; amended Pub. L. 102–572, title IX, §§902(a)(2), 906(a), (b), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4516–4518.)
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1992—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–572, §906(a), amended subsec. (a) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (a) read as follows: "The United States Claims Court is hereby authorized to utilize facilities and hold court in Washington, District of Columbia, and in four locations outside of the Washington, District of Columbia metropolitan area, for the purpose of conducting trials and such other proceedings as may be appropriate to executing the court's functions. The Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts shall designate such locations and provide for such facilities."
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102–572, §906(b)(2), added subsec. (b). Former subsec. (b) redesignated (c).
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 102–572, §§902(a)(2), 906(b)(1), redesignated former subsec. (b) as (c) and substituted "Court of Federal Claims" for "Claims Court".
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1992 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 102–572 effective Oct. 29, 1992, see section 911 of Pub. L. 102–572, set out as a note under section 171 of this title.