Federal judges Walker and Jack to retire in 2011
September 30, 2010
California: Yesterday, two federal judges announced that they will step down from their respective courts in 2011. Judge Vaughn Walker, in the news recently for overturning California's gay marriage ban, sent a letter to President Obama, stating his intention to retire from the Northern District Court in February 2011. In it, he said, "Concluding 21 years of judicial service, I leave the bench with the highest respect and regard for the federal judiciary, its judges and their staff and the essential role they fulfill in our constitutional system." However, Walker did not give an explicit reason for stepping down.[1]
Also announcing her retirement yesterday was Judge Janis Jack, of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas. Jack was nominated by President Clinton and has served since 1994. Instead of leaving the court all together, Jack will transition to senior status, effective June 1, 2011. When asked about her retirement plans, Jack replied, "I think I'll have fun."[2]
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