Federal Circuit Probe of Judge’s Fitness Risks Protracted Battle

The potential for a drawn-out judicial clash lies ahead for a panel of Federal Circuit jurists digging into their chief’s allegations that 95-year-old Judge Pauline Newman is unfit to serve on the bench.

Though the judges may want to resolve the matter quickly, scholars as well as several lawyers who’ve recently examined the process said tricky procedural questions could bog down the probe.

Last week, the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit’s Judicial Council announced a special committee investigation into Newman’s health.

A March 24 order unsealed by the court and signed by Chief Judge Kimberly A. Moore ...