Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling on Baker v Kealoha (Hawaii)

[9mmepiphany]

Can't they fire some judges?

Unless I'm mistaken, I thought all Federal judgeship were permanent

 

[JRH6856]

Unless I'm mistaken, I thought all Federal judgeship were permanent

They are, as appointments are for life. I suppose that as they retire, the authorized number could be reduced, but I think that is unlikely.

I think the 9th has two vacancies right now. I think I read that there are over 80 (87?) vacant federal judgeships at the district and circuit levels. Which contributes to the backlog of cases and the long delays. I don't expect any reductions in the authorized number of judges.

 

[pendennis]

Can't they fire some judges?

Judges may be "fired", in the sense that they can be impeached by the U.S. House of Representatives, and tried by the U.S. Senate. There have been impeachments and trials of judges in the past. One of the most famous of late, is Alcee Hastings. He is one of only six Federal judges to be removed from office.

He then ran for election to the U.S. House of Representatives, and continues to serve in that capacity.

 

[JRH6856]

Judges may be "fired", in the sense that they can be impeached by the U.S. House of Representatives, and tried by the U.S. Senate.

Impeachment of a federal judge requires more than just a desire to reduce the number of judges. They have to have committed some kind of offense other than refusing to retire.

 

[pendennis]

My response was to note the legal process for removing a Federal judge for "Galudo", who may not be a U.S. citizen (he resides in Cambridge, G.B.).

It's well understood here, that judges may retain their seats for life, "during good behaviour" (Article III, Section 1).

I'm also well aware that Congress may not use their powers of impeachment for personnel reduction reasons.