The Bismarck Tribune

EXPEDITING JUSTICE ON FEDERAL CIRCUIT BY REFORM PLANNED

Changes Will Affect North Dakota, Part of Eighth Federal Judicial District

Omaha, Neb., Oct. 8.-(AP) Notification to attorneys that the court of appeals of the eighth federal circuit plans reforms in procedure for the purpose of expediting justice, and a declaration by Justice John M. Crimm of the Iowa supreme court that "the time has come for lawyers to rise in self defense against unjust public criticism of bench and bar" were high points in speeches delivered last night at the Nebraska bar association banquet welcoming the judges who are conducting the first sitting of the circuit court in Omaha.

In outlining the contemplated general revision of circuit court rules, Circuit Judge Arba S. Vanvalkenburgh of Kansas City commented on the request for a "speeding up of federal court hearings."

"We plan four principal changes," he said. "We intend to limit the time for arguments. As a second step, we plan to prescribe specific forms for briefs.

"It will reduce the time limit for the handing down of court mandates following hearings and as a fourth method of expediting the courts business we intend to shorten the time during which petitions for rehearing may be presented."

The revised eighth district comprises the states of Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, North and South Dakota, Missouri and Arkansas. Under present arrangements the court sits also in St. Louis, St. Paul and Kansas City.