Christina Armijo

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Christina Armijo

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United States District Court for the District of New Mexico (senior status)
Tenure

2018 - Present

Years in position

7

Prior offices
United States District Court for the District of New Mexico

Education

Bachelor's

University of New Mexico, 1972

Law

University of New Mexico School of Law, 1975

Personal
Birthplace
Las Vegas, N.M.


Christina Armijo is an Article III federal judge on senior status for the United States District Court for the District of New Mexico. She joined the court in 2001 after a nomination from President George W. Bush. She assumed senior status on February 7, 2018. Prior to joining the court, Armijo served as a judge on the New Mexico Court of Appeals.[1]

On October 1, 2012, Armijo was elevated to the position of chief judge.[2][3]

Education

Armijo graduated from the University of New Mexico with her bachelor's degree in 1972 and from the University of New Mexico Law School with her J.D. degree in 1975.[1]

Professional career

Armijo was a Staff Attorney for Sandoval County Legal Services in the State of New Mexico from 1976 to 1978 before entering private practice in New Mexico until 1996. Armijo was elected to the New Mexico Court of Appeals, and served from 1996 to 2001.[1]

Judicial career

District of New Mexico

Armijo was nominated to the United States District Court for the District of New Mexico by President George W. Bush on September 4, 2001 to a new judgeship created by 114 Stat. 2762. Armijo was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on November 6, 2001, by Senate vote and received commission on November 12, 2001.[4] She assumed senior status on February 7, 2018.

Noteworthy cases

Judge dismisses lawsuit on horse slaughter

See also: United States District Court for the District of New Mexico

In August 2013, Judge Armijo issued a restraining order to prevent companies from slaughtering and selling horsemeat, pending a case on the operations of the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service.[5]

Three months later, Judge Armijo dismissed the case which would have prevented Valley Meat Co. from reopening its slaughterhouse. Animal welfare groups were seeking an injunction against the company to prevent it from resuming its practices. The groups contended that the government did not study the issue before granting permits to the company.

In 2011, Congress restored funding for inspections of these facilities after a five-year ban. Soon after, several companies filed applications for permits. Valley Meat Co. sued the United States Department of Agriculture last year, alleging that the government was holding up review of the permit due to public pressure. Proponents of the practice contend that an overpopulation of horses has led to the neglect of many animals and as such, that the slaughter of them is more humane.[6]

The consumption of horse meat is a controversial issue that is steeped in cultural traditions. For more about the controversy, see: Houston.com, "Friend or Food? Horsemeat controversy heats up after slaughter ban is lifted in U.S.," August 20, 2013.

US Airways case

See also: United States District Court for the District of New Mexico

On October 9, 2009, Judge Armijo ruled in favor of the New Mexico Department of Regulation and Licensing after US Airways sued the chief licensing arm of the State of New Mexico in 2007.

US Airways sued after claiming that the State of New Mexico had no jurisdiction on taking away their liquour licenses for on-board service on US Airways flights after the airline was cited for overserving passengers in the past. Judge Armijo found that the State of New Mexico had jurisdiction to regulate alcohol even in airspace citing two major airline industry laws that do not exempt airlines from in-state liquor regulations.[7]

See also

External links


Footnotes

Political offices
Preceded by:
NA-New Seat
District of New Mexico
2001–2018
Seat #6
Succeeded by:
Kea Riggs