Assessment of Past Extramural Reforms of the U.S. Courts of Appeals

Professor Baker posits several radical changes to the structure of the federal appellate courts to ease the growing caseload. First, he suggests restricting the jurisdiction of the federal district courts. Second, Professor discusses the merits of using alternative dispute resolution. Next, he discusses the merits and pitfalls of expanding, dividing and even establishing a specialized appellate judiciary. Finally, he discusses improving federal legislation to ease the load on the federal appellate courts.