Electronic mail involves communication through a network of computer terminals. Messages, when created on a wordprocessing terminal, are sent simultaneously to one or more recipients. In the Ninth Circuit, messages are judge-to-secretary-to-machine-to-secretary-to-judge. Except for one judge's concern about "leaks and computer privacy," most negative evaluations pertain to mechanical difficulties or machine problems, particularly the down-time of a system. After system mechanical difficulties were addressed and the judges had at least a year's experience with the new system, it had become an integral part of the court's communication. Advantages of electronic mail noted by the respondents are increased speed of communication and communications hard copy. Some complaints about the system are decreased direct contact among judges and an increased amount of communication. 49 footnotes.