Federal Courts Improvement Act of 1979

Federal Courts Improvement Act of 1979 - Title I: Terms of Chief Judges - Sets forth rules governing the appointment and terms of the chief judges of the courts of appeals and the district courts. Reduces from 70 to 65 years the maximum age for the chief judge of a circuit or district court, with specified exceptions.

Title II: Appellate Panels - Makes certain revisions with respect to the composition of, and precedence on, appellate judicial panels.

Title III: Judicial Councils - Specifies rules governing the membership of the councils of the circuit judges. Directs each court of appeals to: (1) appoint an advisory committee to study the rules and operating procedures of such court; and (2) publish such rules and procedures.

Title IV: Pensions - Directs the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to pay the amount due as a deposit for civil service retirement purposes for a period of judicial service which immediately precedes government service.

Title V: Transfer of Cases - Directs a Federal court to transfer any action with respect to which it finds a want of jurisdiction to any other appropriate Federal court, if it is in the interests of justice.

Title VI: Interest - Revises the interest rate allowed on money judgments in district courts, and authorizes the court to add to the sum of actual damages prejudgment interest.