§14001. Authorization of circuit studies; education and training grants

(a) Studies

In order to gain a better understanding of the nature and the extent of gender bias in the Federal courts, the circuit judicial councils are encouraged to conduct studies of the instances, if any, of gender bias in their respective circuits and to implement recommended reforms.

(b) Matters for examination

The studies under subsection (a) of this section may include an examination of the effects of gender on-

(1) the treatment of litigants, witnesses, attorneys, jurors, and judges in the courts, including before magistrate and bankruptcy judges;

(2) the interpretation and application of the law, both civil and criminal;

(3) treatment of defendants in criminal cases;

(4) treatment of victims of violent crimes in judicial proceedings;

(5) sentencing;

(6) sentencing alternatives and the nature of supervision of probation and parole;

(7) appointments to committees of the Judicial Conference and the courts;

(8) case management and court sponsored alternative dispute resolution programs;

(9) the selection, retention, promotion, and treatment of employees;

(10) appointment of arbitrators, experts, and special masters;

(11) the admissibility of the victim's past sexual history in civil and criminal cases; and

(12) the aspects of the topics listed in section 13992 of this title that pertain to issues within the jurisdiction of the Federal courts.

(c) Clearinghouse

The Administrative Office of the United States Courts shall act as a clearinghouse to disseminate any reports and materials issued by the gender bias task forces under subsection (a) of this section and to respond to requests for such reports and materials. The gender bias task forces shall provide the Administrative Office of the Courts of the United States ¹ with their reports and related material.

(d) Model programs

The Federal Judicial Center, in carrying out section 620(b)(3) of title 28, may-

(1) include in the educational programs it presents and prepares, including the training programs for newly appointed judges, information on issues related to gender bias in the courts including such areas as are listed in subsection (a) ² of this section along with such other topics as the Federal Judicial Center deems appropriate;

(2) prepare materials necessary to implement this subsection; and

(3) take into consideration the findings and recommendations of the studies conducted pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, and to consult with individuals and groups with relevant expertise in gender bias issues as it prepares or revises such materials.

( Pub. L. 103–322, title IV, §40421, Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 1944 .)

Section Referred to in Other Sections

This section is referred to in sections 14002, 14214 of this title.

¹ So in original. Probably should be "Administrative Office of the United States Courts".

² So in original. Probably should be subsection "(b)".