9th Circuit Court
Bill Would Give 9th Circuit Another Judge—in 2009
Draft language in a pending courthouse security bill would give the San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals an extra judge, but the seat wouldn’t be filled until President Bush leaves office.
The bill would eliminate a vacant seat on the D.C. Circuit, in effect transferring the judgeship to the 9th Circuit, the Recorder reports.
Language delaying creation of the 9th Circuit seat until 2009 was inserted after Rep. Howard Berman, D-Calif., said he did not want to give the president an opportunity to name another judge on the circuit.
The compromise bill still requires Senate and House approval.
