On Monday, July 28, 2025, Reuters reported that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit extended the suspension of 98-year-old Judge Pauline Newman for an additional year.
The decision follows an internal investigation into her fitness to serve on the Washington, D.C.-based court. A committee of active judges concluded that medical reports from doctors chosen by Newman did not negate the need for comprehensive neuropsychological testing to evaluate her ability to continue serving.
Newman, appointed by President Ronald Reagan in 1984, is the oldest federal judge who has not opted for senior status, a form of semi-retirement. Known for her expertise in patent law and frequent dissenting opinions, she has been a prominent figure in the Federal Circuit, which handles significant intellectual property cases.
The court’s chief judge, Kimberly Moore, previously cited concerns about Newman’s cognitive and physical health in 2023 orders, leading to her initial suspension after she declined to cooperate with the investigation.
In response, Newman has insisted she remains capable of fulfilling her judicial duties. She challenged the suspension through a lawsuit, which was dismissed last year. A separate federal appeals court in Washington is currently reviewing whether to reinstate her case.
Newman provided neurological evaluations supporting her mental fitness, but the Federal Circuit raised doubts about their reliability, noting inaccuracies in the reports and concerns in her medical records regarding fainting episodes and memory issues. The court emphasized that the ordered neuropsychological tests remain essential.
Newman, in an email, criticized the court’s latest decision, arguing it violates constitutional principles and provisions of the Judicial Disability and Misconduct Act. She expressed concern that the process could undermine judicial independence and public trust in the federal judiciary. Newman vowed to continue her legal fight, warning that the ruling could set a precedent threatening judges with differing views.
Her attorney, Greg Dolin, questioned the thoroughness of the court’s review, noting that its 90-page opinion was issued shortly after a July 24 hearing. He argued that the committee already had sufficient medical evidence to resolve the investigation and end Newman’s suspension.
Source: Reuters
