The FJC’s history website is packed with information about the history of the federal courts, and new content is added frequently. To help you navigate the site and to keep you up to date on what is available, here is a brief guide that highlights and explains many of our features.

Our most widely used resource is the Biographical Directory of Article III Judges, 1789-present. The directory includes biographical information and listings of manuscript collections and oral histories for federal judges appointed to serve during good behavior since 1789 (as well as judges who received presidential recess appointments to federal courts but were not confirmed by the Senate to serve during good behavior).

Though we aim for all our material to be accessible to most users, the lists below will help you find materials of particular interest.

Note: Please hover your cursor over each image to see a description of that item.