34 U.S.C. § 12381 — Authorization of circuit studies; education and training grants

(a) Studies. To better understand gender bias in federal courts^*, circuit judicial councils were encouraged to study whether gender bias exists in their circuits and to put recommended reforms in place.

(b) Matters for examination. These studies could look at the effects of gender on: (1) how litigants, witnesses, attorneys, jurors, and judges are treated in court, including before magistrate and bankruptcy judges; (2) how civil and criminal law is interpreted and applied; (3) treatment of criminal defendants; (4) treatment of violent-crime victims during court proceedings; (5) sentencing; (6) probation and parole alternatives and supervision; (7) appointments to Judicial Conference and court committees; (8) case management and court-run dispute resolution programs; (9) hiring, promotion, and treatment of court employees; (10) appointment of arbitrators, experts, and special masters; (11) whether a victim's past sexual history is allowed as evidence in civil and criminal cases; and (12) the parts of the topics listed in section 12372 that involve issues within federal court jurisdiction.

(c) Clearinghouse. The Administrative Office of the United States Courts had to collect and share reports and materials from the gender bias task forces, and respond to requests for that material. The task forces had to send their reports and materials to the Administrative Office.

(d) Continuing education and training programs. The Federal Judicial Center, as part of its normal training duties under section 620(b)(3) of title 28, had to include in its educational programs, including training for newly appointed judges, information on the parts of the section 12372 topics that fall within federal court jurisdiction, and had to prepare the materials needed to do this.