UA

U.S. District Court, District Of Arizona

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U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona: Comprehensive Report



Overview



The U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona serves as a vital component of the federal judiciary, administering justice for the entire state of Arizona. This court is responsible for federal cases encompassing both civil and criminal matters and operates under the Ninth Circuit of the U.S. Courts of Appeals.

Leadership and Key Personnel



  • Honorable Jennifer G. Zipps, appointed by President Barack Obama, has been the Chief Judge since October 21, 2024. With a background as a federal prosecutor and a U.S. Magistrate Judge, she holds a B.A. from the University of Arizona and a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center.


  • Debra D. Lucas is the District Court Executive and Clerk of Court, serving since August 2020. She oversees administrative functions across all court locations in Phoenix, Tucson, Yuma, and Flagstaff. Lucas is reachable at 602-322-7200.


Court Structure and Services



Locations



The court operates from key locations, including:

  • Phoenix: Sandra Day O'Connor U.S. Courthouse

  • Tucson: Evo A. DeConcini U.S. Courthouse

  • Yuma and Flagstaff: Subsidiary locations


Key Services



  • Court Programs: Includes initiatives like the Arizona Veterans Program and the Incarceration and Conviction Alternatives Network (ICAN).

  • Clerk’s Office Services: Provides court reporting, courtroom technology, interpreting services, and e-filing via CM/ECF (Case Management/Electronic Case Files).

  • Juror Services: Accommodation through online information systems and options for rescheduling jury duty.


Technological Integration



  • Electronic Services: The court supports E-Filing and maintains records accessible through PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records).

  • Security Measures: Advisories warn against phishing scams, particularly fake Notices of Electronic Filings (NEFs). It emphasizes verifying emails through official channels to prevent unauthorized data access.


Recent Developments



  • New judicial appointments: Sharad H. Desai, Krissa M. Lanham, and Angela M. Martinez were confirmed as U.S. District Judges for Arizona in late 2024.

  • Upcoming Events: The Phoenix Chapter Holiday Party for the Federal Bar Association (FBA) is planned for December 5, 2024.


Resources and Contact Information



  • Website: [azd.uscourts.gov](https://www.azd.uscourts.gov/) for additional resources, including forms, juror information, and subscription to district news updates.


Competitive Profiling



Structural Comparisons



The U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona operates in parallel with other district courts across the 94 federal judicial districts in the U.S. Each court functions autonomously within its allocated jurisdiction, providing venues for both civil and criminal federal matters, including admiralty and maritime cases.

Procedural Insights



Understanding the operational nuances requires awareness of the court's integration with the federal judiciary and the procedural specifics that govern legal interactions. This knowledge is invaluable for legal professionals, prospective jurors, and public users engaging with the court's framework.

Outreach and Engagement



Maintaining an informed perspective on the court's offerings, digital tools, and alert mechanisms facilitates efficient and secure navigation across its services. The U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona not only upholds legal standards but also embodies modern adaptability through enhanced electronic and communication methods.