Federal Circuit Panel Urges Extension of Newman’s Suspension (1)

A Federal Circuit panel recommended extending the suspension of the nation’s oldest active federal judge, Pauline Newman, by a year, citing her continued refusal to undergo cognitive testing.

By withholding medical records and not sitting for examinations, Newman was “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,” according to a report issued Wednesday by an investigative committee made up of Chief Judge Kimberly A. Moore and Judges Sharon Prost, and Richard G. Taranto.

The full Judicial Council of the ...