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Administrative Office of the United States Courts



What is the Administrative Office of the United States Courts?

The Administrative Office of the United States Courts is regarded as the formal administrative agency of the United States federal court system. Established in 1939, the Administrative Office of the United States Courts is the central support entity for the federal judicial branch. The Administrative Office of the United States Courts provides a number of administrative, financial, legal, program, management and information technology services to the federal court system. 

The Administrative Office of the United States Courts is regulated and supervised by the Judicial Conference of the United States—the formal body that establishes national and legislative policy for the federal judiciary. The Judicial Conference is composed of chief judges from each geographic and judicial circuit, as well as the chief judge of the Court of International Trade. The Administrative Office of the United states Court implements and subsequently executes Judicial Conference policies and applicable federal statutes and regulations. Furthermore, the Administrative Office of the United States Courts facilitates communicates within the judiciary, the United States Congress, the Executive Branch and the public on behalf of the judiciary. 

Quick Facts Regarding the Administrative Office of the United States Courts:

• The Administrative Office of the United States Courts was formally established on August 7th of 1939

• The Administrative Office of the United States Courts holds jurisdiction over the United States judiciary

• The Administrative Office of the United States Courts is headquartered in Washington, D.C.

• The Administrative Office of the United States Courts operates with roughly 1,200 employees and an operating budget of 54 million dollars.

• James Duff is the current director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts.


What is the Mission of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts?

The formal mission of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts is to provide support functions to the federal judiciary. The agency, to accomplish this task, will prepare and submit the proposed court system’s budget to the Judicial Conference. Once reviewed, the conference will pass the budget to Congress, where the document will either be approved or rejected.

The Administrative Office of the United States Courts will also analyze legislation from Congress that will in essence, alter the courts’ personnel and operations. Subsequently, the Administrative Office of the United States Courts will interpret and apply altered or new legislation. The Administrative Office of the United States Courts also provides administrative support to members of the courts, including clerks, probation officers, public defenders and court reporters.

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