he 2012 Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference will be held August 13-16 at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa in Maui, Hawaii. 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 a variety of substantive issues involving social media, mobile computing and data mining on the Internet, recent findings in sentencing policy, and anti-trust issues in the world of sports law.  In addition, we will be honored by the participation of our Circuit Justice Anthony M. Kennedy and Associate Justice Samuel A. Alito, Jr.

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 recreational or sporting activities.