In For The Long Haul!

Appointments to Federal Judgeships are for life. And you know what? I'm really okay with that. While our founders probably didn't image that so many of us would live to be as old as we do, it is immaterial to the underlying principle that with age comes wisdom and stability. Here I offer for your appreciation the five longest serving members of the Federal District Court system. Four serve in a what is called Senior Status, which means they are semi-retired by still hear cases, (there is a very respectful sub status called Senior inactive for those who choose to die "on the bench" but are no longer able to work). Some Federal judges choose to retire outright and leave the work without choosing the parttime Senior status option. And one of these five is still a fully active judge! I was in my second month of kindergarten when he was confirmed! Pretty amazing.

President John Fitzgerald Kennedy appointees:

Edward J. McManus, Senior status
confirmed on July 13, 1962 to the
Federal District Court of Northern Iowa

William J. Nealon, Jr, Senior status
confirmed on March 15, 1963 to the
Federal District Court of Middle Pennsylvania

President Lyndon Baines Johnson appointees:

Manuel L. Real, Active status
confirmed on October 20, 1966 to the
Federal District Court of Southern California

Jack B. Weinstein, Senior status
confirmed on April 15, 1967 to the
Federal District Court of Eastern New York

John T. Curtin, Senior Status
confirmed on December 14, 1967 to the
Federal District Court of Western New York