HM2002 Summary

• Urges Congress to reform the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, including the option of dividing it into two separate circuit courts.

• Cites that the Ninth Circuit had 13,714 pending cases as of March 31, 2015, nearly three times more than the Fifth Circuit (4,679 cases) and a median case processing time of 12.4 months compared to 8.5 months nationally.

• Notes that the Ninth Circuit comprises nine states and two federal territories with 44 total judges (28 active, 16 senior), the largest constituent jurisdiction of any federal circuit, and has a high reversal rate by the United States Supreme Court.

• References two prior Congressional commissions (Hruska Commission in 1972 and White Commission in 1998) that recommended Ninth Circuit reform, and notes support from federal judges, former Supreme Court Justices Sandra Day O'Connor and Anthony Kennedy, and state officials including Governor Doug Ducey.

• Directs the Arizona Secretary of State to transmit copies of this memorial to each Member of Congress.