THE INDEPENDENT
The oldest federal judge is fighting to keep her office as her fellow justices say she must be suspended due to concerns about her mental health.
US Circuit Judge Pauline Newman, 97, was appointed by Ronald Reagan in 1984. Newman’s fellow justices on the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit unanimously voted to sideline her in September, Bloomberg Law reports. The vote came after Newman refused to undergo medical testing and provide medical records as concerns arose about her mental health.
“Affidavits prepared after more than 20 interviews with Court staff reflect consistent reports of deeply troubling interactions with Judge Newman that suggest significant mental deterioration including memory loss, confusion, lack of comprehension, paranoia, anger, hostility, and severe agitation,” the Judicial Council wrote.
Now, a special committee of Newman’s fellow judges has recommended the Judicial Council extend Newman’s suspension. On Wednesday, the special committee called for her suspension to last another year or “at least until she ceases her misconduct and cooperates such that the Committee can complete its investigation, whichever comes sooner.”
“Her misconduct is thwarting the investigation and making it impossible for the Committee adequately to perform the important function of determining whether she is fit to perform the duties of her office,” the committee wrote.
