Trial courts constitute the bulk of the Federal judicial system, and they receive a correspondingly large share of the resources of the Federal Judicial Center. The center's programs in continuing education, research, and systems development in support of the United States district judges, bankruptcy judges, magistrates, and supporting personnel are described. Special mention should be made of the center's close relationship with the Conferences of Metropolitan District Chief Judges, composed of the chief judges of the 31 Federal district courts with 6 or more authorized judgeships. The conference has suggested a wide range of research, educational, and development activities for the center's agenda. The center's work in support of the appellate courts has been characterized by two objectives: to provide continued updating in new areas of the law through educational programs, and to develop technological innovations that will allow appellate judges to permit them to use their time on the disposition of cases most in need of full appellate review. The development of the Automated Appellate Information System is described, as well as center activities with systemwide impact (analysis of Federal court rulemaking, information and liaison activities, etc.). Finally, the organization of the center is highlighted, and center publications are listed. Tables and an index are provided.