House Approves Bill to Split Ninth Circuit Court

House representatives passed a bill Tuesday that would split the Ninth Circuit court, representing over 56 million people, into three judgeships.

The House of Representatives passed a bill on Tuesday that would split the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals into three courts, creating new twelve circuit and thirteenth circuit courts.

A three-judge panel from the Ninth Circuit ruled earlier this year that the "Under God" phrase recited in the Pledge of Allegiance amounts to an unconstitutional "endorsement of religion."

Considered the most liberal, the Ninth Circuit currently represents 56 million people, roughly one-fifth of the nation's population; and has 48 judges to serve an area that encompasses nearly 40 percent of the geographic area of the United States, according to a press release from the House Judiciary Committee.

As a result, the circuit has been unable to keep up with pending cases.

"The Ninth Circuit has become so big -- in geographic size, in workload, and in the number of its active and senior judges -- that it can no longer appropriately discharge its civic functions on behalf of the American people," said House Judiciary Committee Chairman F. James Sensenbrenner, Jr. (R-Wis.).

"This overburdened circuit also has the most numbers of appeals filed, the highest percentage increase in appeals filed, the most number of appeals still pending, and the longest median time until disposition," said the Judiciary Committee.

The bill passed on Tuesday, S. 878, would only include California, Guam, Hawaii, and the Northern Marianas Islands as part of the new Ninth Circuit, moving other states and to a new Twelfth Circuit consisting of Arizona, Nevada, Idaho, and Montana; and a new Thirteenth Circuit, consisting of Alaska, Oregon, and Washington.

“Given the problems created by its sheer size, I believe that we have no choice but to split the Ninth Circuit three ways," Sensenbrenner said. This legislation also adds new judges to the Ninth Circuit to ensure that future caseload demands made on the new Ninth will more closely mirror its judgeship resources, he said.

"These additional judgeships are inextricably linked with splitting the Ninth Circuit and they will only move legislatively as one administrative restructuring package,” said Sensenbrenner.

The Senate will be next to review the bill.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.