The 2011 Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference will be held August 15-18 at the La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, California. The conference is authorized by law "for the purpose of considering the business of the courts and advising means of improving the administration of justice within the circuit." [§ 28 U.S.C. Sec. 333] Attendees include judges of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and the federal district and bankruptcy courts in nine western states and two Pacific island territories; representatives of the federal bar practicing in these courts; court staff; and special guests. For space and security reasons, attendance is by invitation.

In addition to various business meetings, the Conference provides a rich educational program on the law and legal profession, the administration of the courts and other relevant topics. This year's program features presentations on the limits of federalism; use of neuroscience evidence in the courtroom; historical overviews of search and seizure law; the future of the courts; and a retrospective on 40 years of women in the law. In addition, Justices Anthony M. Kennedy and Ruth Bader Ginsburg of the Supreme Court of the United States will participate in the program.

Federal government funding allocated to the Ninth Circuit for the Conference is used to provide the educational program and to conduct business meetings. Government funds are not used for any social or sports activities.