NCJ Number
166874
Date Published
1996
Length
84 pages
Annotation
This guide, prepared by the Federal Judicial History Office, discusses the importance and usefulness of judicial papers and offers suggestions for Federal judges who want to make their papers available to a repository.
Abstract
The guide is based on discussions with judges, judicial personnel, circuit librarians, archivists, and scholars. It notes that papers of Federal judges constitute a valuable documentary record of judicial careers and the work of Federal courts. The preservation of judicial papers establishes a foundation for comprehensive studies that can document the importance of the Federal judiciary. Some of the most valuable personal papers of judges include chamber papers--case-related documents, correspondence, and records of court governance distinct from official court records. These papers are the personal property of the judge, and each judge retains the right to make final decisions about his or her papers. The guide is intended to help Federal judges preserve their chamber papers. Chapters in the guide focus on the organization of chamber papers (what and how to save) and manuscript repositories. Additional information and forms related to preserving judicial papers are contained in five appendixes. 6 references