Federal Courts Improvement Act of 1979

[AI summary unavailable — showing source text] Federal Courts Improvement Act of 1979 - Sets forth rules governing the appointment and terms of the chief judges of the courts of appeals and the district courts. Reduces from 70 to 65 years the maximum age for the chief judge of a circuit or district court, with specified exceptions. Specifies rules governing the membership of the councils of the circuit judges. Authorizes a council to hold hearings, and to compel the appearance of witnesses and the production of documents to perform its duties. Directs each court of appeals to: (1) appoint an advisory committee to study the rules and operating procedures of such court;a nd (2) publish such rules and procedures. Revises the current requirement that Federal judges be 70 years of age to retire from active service at salary, to allow such judges to so retire when such individual's age plus period of judicial service equals 80 years. Retains the current ten year minimum service requirement. Allows any person to file a written complaint against a district or circuit judge with the judicial council of the circuit in which such judges serves, requesting the issuance of a certificate of dismissal as provided by this Act or alleging a vio…