The findings of an in-depth study of the use of magistrate judges in nine district courts, in the context of each court's approach to court administration and case management. The author describes three models for the use of magistrate judges: as "additional judges," as specialists, and as team players. She also examines the extent to which magistrate judges work is challenged by lawyers.

The results of a survey of 292 federal district judges concerning how they interpret and apply the 1983 amendments to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 11 (before the 1993 amendments). Based on the judges' hypothetical reactions to actual cases in which Rule 11 sanctions were requested, the study outlines the judges' standards and rationales for imposing sanctions, the kinds of sanctions imposed, and the relationship between the judges' opinions and their expectations of how their colleagues would rule on the same issues.

A description of the evolution of the circuit executive position. The author, a longtime federal personnel executive and observer, considered the extent to which expectations for the executives' role in the administration of justice were realized and offered recommendations for further development of that role.

A report on procedures and standards used by the courts of appeals in the 1980s for deciding cases without oral argument. The authors discuss the responses of clerks of court to a survey on court practices and present statistical information along with a review of relevant local rules. The report discusses only the procedures developed for typical cases; it does not consider special procedures for pro se cases, nor does it attempt to evaluate the screening programs.