Law360 (September 20, 2023, 11:00 AM EDT) -- Federal Circuit Judge Pauline Newman was suspended Wednesday from hearing any cases for one year, after the court's other active judges said their 96-year-old colleague derailed an investigation into whether she is mentally fit to serve as judge by not agreeing to medical tests.
The appeals court's Judicial Council issued the suspension that was recommended last month by a three-judge special committee that probed claims Judge Newman may suffer from "significant mental deterioration" that makes her unfit to serve as judge.
Judge Newman refused to undergo medical testing by doctors chosen by the committee members, which they said thwarted their investigation. The Judicial Council unanimously agreed with that assessment on Wednesday.
"Judge Newman's refusal, without good cause, to cooperate with the committee's investigation constitutes serious misconduct, as it has prejudiced the effective and expeditious administration of the business of the courts," the council concluded.
The council said while Judge Newman submitted reports from two doctors who evaluated her and said she was fit to remain on the bench, those were "not remotely an adequate substitute for the thorough medical examinations" ordered by the special committee.
Federal Circuit Judge Pauline Newman, shown here in June, was suspended Wednesday from hearing cases for one year. (Haiyun Jiang/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Judge Newman refused to undergo medical testing by doctors chosen by the committee members, which they said thwarted their investigation. The Judicial Council unanimously agreed with that assessment on Wednesday.
"Judge Newman's refusal, without good cause, to cooperate with the committee's investigation constitutes serious misconduct, as it has prejudiced the effective and expeditious administration of the business of the courts," the council concluded.
The council said while Judge Newman submitted reports from two doctors who evaluated her and said she was fit to remain on the bench, those were "not remotely an adequate substitute for the thorough medical examinations" ordered by the special committee.
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