If enacted, HB3163 could significantly impact how cases seeking nationwide injunctions are handled in the federal court system. By enforcing that these actions are only permissible in divisions with two or more active judges, the bill could help diminish the strategic manipulation of court assignments by litigants. This change is expected to promote a more consistent application of the law and may help reduce the backlog of cases tied up in courts as nationwide injunctions can often lead to prolonged litigation.
Summary
House Bill 3163, known as the End Judge Shopping Act of 2023, seeks to amend Title 28 of the United States Code concerning the issuance of nationwide injunctions by single-judge divisions of U.S. District Courts. The bill aims to curtail the practice often referred to as 'judge shopping', where litigants might seek out jurisdictions with sympathetic judges to obtain favorable rulings that can affect enforcement across all jurisdictions. Through this act, all civil actions that are intended to seek a nationwide injunction would need to be filed in a district that has multiple active judges assigned.
Contention
The introduction of HB3163 has sparked debate regarding judicial authority and the accessibility of the courts. Proponents argue that the bill will strengthen judicial integrity and ensure that decisions involving broad injunctions are made with the oversight of multiple judges, thereby reducing the risk of bias. However, critics may contend that such a restriction could limit access to justice for individuals seeking immediate protections against federal actions that they believe violate their rights, highlighting a possible tension between the need for judicial oversight and the need for prompt relief in critical situations.
ACE Act End Zuckerbucks Act of 2023 Solving an Overlooked Loophole in Votes for Executives (SOLVE) Act Promoting Free and Fair Elections Act Don't Weaponize the IRS Act American Confidence in Elections Act