"Debate Over Judicial Discretion in 'Judge-Shopping' Policy"

The federal judiciary released a revised policy recommending random assignment of judges in civil cases with statewide or national implications, addressing concerns about "judge shopping." The policy is not a mandate and does not apply to criminal or bankruptcy cases. Conservative judges and lawmakers have criticized the change, accusing the Judicial Conference and Democrats of attempting to grab power from conservative jurists in isolated jurisdictions. Some judges have expressed concerns about the practicality of implementing a random-case-assignment policy in geographically large districts.