Congress has enacted many laws during the 1980's that will alter the criminal justice system in general and Federal courts in particular. Most recent laws include the Anti-Drug Abuse Act, the Drug and Alcohol Dependent Offenders Treatment Act, the Sentencing Act, the Criminal Fine Improvements Act, and the Anti-Drug Abuse Act, all enacted since 1986. Federal court caseloads have been increasing significantly for the last several years. Total case filings have risen by 42 percent during the 1980's, while criminal case filings have risen by 56 percent. During the same period, drug-related criminal cases have increased by 229 percent and account for about 24 percent of all criminal case filings in district courts and 44 percent of all criminal trials. Drug-related criminal cases are generally more complex than most cases because they tend to involve multiple defendants and transactions, as well as complicated factual and legal issues. As a result, they require more judicial and supporting staff time than other cases. With stiffer drug laws and the current emphasis on the drug war, the judiciary will need an estimated $37 to $92 million in resources just to handle the additional caseload resulting from the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988. Available resources, however, for judges and magistrates, the probation system, automated court systems, and other needed judicial improvements to deal with increased drug caseloads are inadequate. 12 tables.