Carl Tobias: Judge Andre Davis Should Be Elevated Now, and All the 4th Circuit's Seats Filled Soon

On 2008's historic Election Day, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit was already experiencing vacancies in a troubling four of its 15 judgeships. Thus, it was critical even then that the new Chief Executive soon take steps to expeditiously fill those openings.

As of today, President Obama has instituted numerous measures to facilitate judicial appointments. However, those four judicial positions are still empty, and another Fourth Circuit seat has opened up with the recent, unfortunate retirement of Chief Judge Karen Williams – meaning that now, a full third of the Circuit's seats are empty. Of special concern is the seat that has remained vacant since Francis Murnaghan, the revered Baltimore jurist, died nine years ago last month.

The Senate should promptly confirm the current nominee – the well-respected, well-qualified U.S. District Judge Andre Davis -- to the Murnaghan position. Indeed, Davis's confirmation should be one of the first orders of business now that the Senate has returned from its August recess. Meanwhile, too, President Obama should swiftly nominate, and the Senate should promptly approve, judges to fill the four other vacancies.

http://writ.news.findlaw.com/commentary/20090914_tobias.html


Obama nominated VA Supreme Court Justice Keenan for the 4th Circuit the day this was published. You can learn more about her here:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x6549544

And more about Judge Andre Davis here:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x8317188