"Controversy Erupts Over New Federal Rule Curbing 'Judge Shopping' in US Courts"

Conservative judges and GOP lawmakers are criticizing a new policy by the Judicial Conference of the United States that would require assigning judges at random in civil cases with statewide or national implications, arguing that it conflicts with federal law. The policy aims to address concerns about "judge shopping," but has sparked opposition and questions about its legality. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and other Republicans are urging chief judges to continue their current case assignment practices, while legal experts and some judges are raising concerns about the authority of the Judicial Conference to mandate such changes.