# Plain Language Summary: End Judge Shopping Act of 2023

This bill would change where certain lawsuits can be filed in federal court. Right now, if someone wants to challenge a government policy or law across the entire country, they can file that lawsuit in almost any federal district court, even if it only has one judge. This bill would require that these nationwide cases can only be filed in federal courts that have at least two judges working there.

The concern behind this bill is what people call "judge shopping"—the practice of filing a case in a specific location hoping to get a particular judge who might be sympathetic to your side. When a single judge can issue an order that affects the entire nation, it means one person's decision can block a policy everywhere, which critics argue gives too much power to individual judges and encourages people to strategically pick courtrooms. By requiring these big cases to go to courts with multiple judges, the bill aims to make the process less about finding the "right" judge and more about having the case heard fairly.

In practical terms, this would mainly affect civil rights groups, environmental organizations, and others who frequently file nationwide lawsuits challenging federal policies. Instead of being able to file in their home district, they'd need to file in a larger federal court with multiple judges. Supporters say this makes the system fairer and prevents one judge from making sweeping national decisions. Critics worry it could make it harder for people to challenge government actions and might favor whichever side has more resources to file cases in specific locations.

End Judge Shopping Act of 2023

Rep. Sherrill, Mikie [D-NJ-11]

End Judge Shopping Act of 2023 This bill requires a civil action that seeks a widely enforceable order to be brought in a division of a judicial district with two or more active judges.