On Monday, February 10, 2025, Bloomberg Law reported that Judge Pauline Newman, the oldest active federal judge in the United States, is urging the DC Circuit Court of Appeals to overturn her suspension from the Federal Circuit. Newman, who is 97 years old, claims that her suspension constitutes an unconstitutional removal from her position, as it occurred without the impeachment proceedings mandated by the Constitution.
In a recent filing, Newman reiterated her belief that the arguments presented by her colleagues indicate that her suspension is effectively permanent. She highlighted that the Judicial Council of her court has suggested her suspension could be lifted if she agrees to provide medical records and undergo a neurological examination. However, Newman contends that the investigation into her alleged erratic behavior should have been conducted by a different circuit court, citing a lack of precedent for such investigations occurring within the same circuit as the judge involved.
Newman’s legal battle began in May 2023 when she filed a lawsuit in the US District Court for the District of Columbia, seeking reinstatement to her judicial duties. This lawsuit was dismissed in July 2024, prompting her to appeal the decision to the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit. While awaiting the outcome of her appeal, Newman is also pushing for a reevaluation of her suspension, which was renewed in September 2024.
The judge’s legal team argues that the motivations behind her suspension stem from dissatisfaction among her peers with her frequent dissenting opinions, rather than any legitimate concerns regarding her mental capacity.
Source: Bloomberg Law
