Bankruptcy Judge

Bankruptcy judges are appointed for 14 year terms and are considered the decision making entity presiding over federal bankruptcy claims. All United States bankruptcy judges are considered judicial officers of the United States District Court. The bankruptcy judge is chosen and appointed by the United States Court of Appeals. Congress has the authority to decide the number of judges who need to be selected, and the recommendations are submitted by the Judicial Conference. Bankruptcy judges must meet certain standards 1) they must be members of good standing of the bar of the highest court in at least one state; 2) they must have a reputation for good character and high integrity; legal competence, good demeanor and appropriate judicial temperament; 3) sound physical and mental health to perform duties of the office 4) they can not be related by marriage or blood to any judge who is part of the appointing court of appeals or judicial council of that circuit, or to a judge of the district court to be served (section 120(a) and (b) of the Bankruptcy Amendments and Federal Judgeship Act of 1984, as amended by section 303 of the Federal Courts Improvement Act of 1996).