Colleagues of Federal Circuit Judge Pauline Newman, at 96 years old the oldest active judge in the United States, opine that her lawsuit seeking reinstatement should be dismissed, following a comprehensive inquiry into her mental competence. The case has been relayed to a Washington, D.C., federal district judge for review.
Judge Newman’s quest for reinstatement comes in the aftermath of a unanimous voting by her fellow judges on the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in September. The vote resulted in a suspension of further case allocations to her, effectively a penalty for her non-compliance to a full neurological examination as demanded by an investigative panel. The judges backed their choice in a court filing submitted on a recent Friday.
The dispute started when Judge Newman did not cooperate with an investigative body that required her to undergo a complete neurological assessment. She has strongly opposed this in court, stating that it is a breach of her rights.
The case will now be seen by a judicious eye in the Washington, D.C., federal district court. Judge Newman’s reinstatement solely lies in the determination of the district judge. This case puts a spotlight on the delicate issue of age and mental fitness in professional environments, particularly in responsible roles within the judiciary.