by Susan Schulkin

Just like libraries and librarians, federal judges often have their own preferred procedural practices.  A new Westlaw database (DRFCTG) includes the full text of the Directory of Federal Court Guidelines, a district-by-district publication of biographical information about all sitting federal judges. Most interestingly, it also includes detailed procedural practice conventions mandated by individual judges — on matters such as discovery, scheduling conferences, voir dire, marking of exhibits, and jury participation.  Next time you’re asked for background information on a federal judge, be sure to check this out!