5th Circuit Expediting Criminal Appeals
The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals has announced a Plan for Expediting Criminal Appeals effective 4 May 2008. The court implemented the plan in order to process criminal appeals "at least within the federal appellate court median times . . . "
Significant for lawyers practicing before the Fifth Circuit, the court states:
For conduct unbecoming a member of the Bar, or for failure of counsel to comply with the applicable Federal and Fifth Circuit Rules, the court shall issue a show cause order as provided by FED. R. APP. P. 46(c), and 5TH CIR. R. 42.3.1.1 and 42.3.3. Sanctions may be imposed upon delinquent counsel as may be individually appropriate, ranging from reprimand to fine, or Criminal Justice Act financial deduction or removal from the roll of attorneys permitted to practice before this court.
A copy of the Fifth Circuit's Plan may be obtained here.