BY Benjamin ClarkJuly 12, 2024
7 months ago
BY 
 | July 12, 2024
7 months ago

97-Year-Old Judge's Suspension Lawsuit Dismissed

As reported by the Washington Post, 97-year-old Judge Pauline Newman has had her lawsuit challenging her suspension from the bench dismissed.

Judge Newman claims the procedures used in her investigation under the Judicial Conduct and Disability Act are unconstitutional.

Judge Newman, a respected figure at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, faced scrutiny over her cognitive abilities.

This scrutiny led to her suspension when she declined a neurological examination, an interview with a judicial committee, and requests to access her medical records.

Exploring Judicial Conduct and Disability Act

The Judicial Conduct and Disability Act of 1980, the cornerstone of this investigation, was examined in light of Judge Newman's refusal to cooperate with the evaluation procedures deemed necessary by her colleagues.

Questions about her cognitive health were prompted by a noticeable decline in her ability to handle cases effectively, especially after a heart attack in 2021.

On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Christopher R. Cooper ruled that the act was constitutional in its application.

Judge Cooper noted, "Though some investigative conduct might trigger Fourth Amendment concerns... Judge Newman has not shown that every application of the provision offends the Fourth Amendment."

Immediate Response and Future Appeals

Undeterred by the district court's decision, Judge Newman is set to appeal.

Her lawyer, Greg Dolin, emphasized the broader implications of their fight: “Judge Newman plans to fight it for as long as it takes because this is not just about her, it’s about the integrity and independence of the judiciary as well as the entire constitutional structure.”

The case has ignited a public discourse on the mental fitness of aging officials in high office. Newman herself has been vocal about the challenges of aging within the judiciary.

"There is certainly room for thinking about how the nation should handle the fact that we’re all living longer than we used to," Newman remarked, relating her situation to broader societal concerns.

In early 2023, the competency concerns about Judge Newman came to a head when Chief Judge Kimberly Moore suggested that Newman consider retirement or taking senior status due to her reduced capability in managing case workload.

Continuing Service Amid Controversy

Despite these suggestions, Newman chose to remain active on the bench.

"I looked around me at the court and I wasn’t too enchanted with all of my colleagues and felt that I could serve the nation better by staying on the court than by quitting," she stated, expressing dissatisfaction with some of her peers and a strong will to continue her service.

Judge Newman has not been assigned new cases since the opening of the investigation, a testament to the courts' cautious approach following her health issues and the ensuing legal complexities.

Conclusion

This legal ordeal concerns Judge Newman and raises critical questions about the balance between maintaining judicial independence and ensuring judges' capacity to fulfill their duties effectively.

The case, expected to proceed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, could eventually find its way to the U.S. Supreme Recommending reforms or more transparent procedures might just be a step forward in addressing these complex issues within the judiciary.

Written by: Benjamin Clark

NATIONAL NEWS

SEE ALL

NYU’s GOP group leader steps down after remarks on Barron Trump

A leadership shakeup rattles New York University's College Republicans chapter amid comments about former President Donald Trump's youngest son. According to the New York Post,…
40 minutes ago
 • By Benjamin Clark

Kristi Noem delivers stern migration warning under Trump's policies

A newly appointed Department of Homeland Security Secretary takes a hardline stance on illegal immigration during her first week in office. According to Breitbart News,…
3 hours ago
 • By Benjamin Clark

DNC vice chair criticizes Trump's Daytona 500 presence

A heated exchange erupts between President Donald Trump and Democratic National Committee Vice Chair David Hogg following Trump's historic NASCAR appearance. According to Fox News,…
3 hours ago
 • By Benjamin Clark

Biden's clemency frees Leonard Peltier after 50 years in prison

A heated controversy erupts as Leonard Peltier, the Native American activist imprisoned for nearly five decades, boards a chartered flight to freedom. According to Fox…
3 hours ago
 • By Benjamin Clark

Court demands Mayor Adams and DOJ explain case dismissal

A high-stakes legal battle unfolds as New York City Mayor Eric Adams faces scrutiny over an unexpected turn in his criminal case. According to CNBC,…
4 hours ago
 • By Benjamin Clark

DON'T WAIT.

We publish the objective news, period. If you want the facts, then sign up below and join our movement for objective news:

    LATEST NEWS

    Newsletter

    Get news from American Digest in your inbox.

      By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: American Digest, 3000 S. Hulen Street, Ste 124 #1064, Fort Worth, TX, 76109, US, http://americandigest.com. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact.
      Christian News Alerts is a conservative Christian publication. Share our articles to help spread the word.
      © 2025 - CHRISTIAN NEWS ALERTS - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
      magnifier