Federal appeals court judge plans to take senior status by end of year
A judge on the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals informed the White House this week of plans to assume senior status. The move will create a vacancy on the court that handles a large share of cases reaching the Supreme Court.
Washington ExaminerA judge on the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals told the White House this week that he intends to take senior status by the end of the year or upon confirmation of a successor. The clerk of the court confirmed the judge sent a letter stating the reduced caseload would begin no later than December 31, 2026.
The letter also indicated the judge plans to continue performing substantial judicial duties after the transition.
Background on the court The 5th Circuit covers Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
It sent more cases to the Supreme Court than any other circuit during the current term, with 11 of the 58 cases heard this year originating from the court. Two cases from the circuit are already scheduled for argument in the Supreme Court’s next term.
Prior appointments to the court The judge previously served on the U.S.
District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana after an appointment in 2001. He was later nominated to the 5th Circuit in 2018. The court currently has 17 judges. Six of those positions were filled through nominations made during an earlier presidential term.
