Handbook X.A: Scheduling Sitting Periods

The sitting periods ordinarily begin in September and end in May. While there are usually no formal sitting periods in June, July, and August, panels of the Court are available throughout the summer to hear appeals in which there is an urgent need for immediate consideration. These summer panels also continue to decide motions and cases submitted without argument pursuant to Circuit Rule 34(j).

The sitting periods for each term are scheduled the preceding winter. The Clerk prepares a proposed schedule and submits it to the Court in executive session. The Court accepts the schedule as prepared by the Clerk or modifies it, if necessary.