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Reynaldo Garza

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Reynaldo Garza
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Nonpartisan
Prior offices:
United States Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit
Years in office: 1982 - 2004

Years in office: 1979 - 1982

United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas
Years in office: 1961 - 1979
Education
Bachelor's
Brownsville Junior College, 1937
Law
University of Texas School of Law, 1939
Personal
Birthplace
Brownsville, TX


Reynaldo Guerra Garza (1915-2004) was a federal judge for the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas and the United States Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit.

Garza became the first Hispanic judge to serve both the federal district courts and the federal appellate courts with his 1961 and 1979 appointments.[1]

Early life and education

  • Brownsville Junior College, A.A., 1935
  • University of Texas, Austin, B.A., 1937
  • University of Texas School of Law, LL.B., 1939[2]

Professional career

  • Private practice, Brownsville, Texas, 1939-1942
  • U.S. Army Air Force, 1942-1945
  • Private practice, Brownsville, Texas, 1945-1961[2]

Judicial career

Fifth Circuit

Garza was nominated to the Fifth Circuit by President Jimmy Carter on April 30, 1979, to a seat vacated by William Thornberry; he was confirmed by the Senate on July 12, 1979, and received commission the next day. He assumed senior status on July 7, 1982. He served the Fifth Circuit until his death on September 14, 2004.[2]

Southern District of Texas

Garza was nominated by President John F. Kennedy on March 24, 1961, to a seat vacated by James Allred; he was confirmed by the Senate on April 13, 1961, and received commission the next day. From 1974-1979, he served as the chief judge. He served the Southern District of Texas until he was elevated to the Fifth Circuit on August 1, 1979.[2]

External links


Footnotes

Political offices
Preceded by:
James Allred
Southern District of Texas
1961–1979
Seat #4T
Succeeded by:
Filemon Vela
Preceded by:
William Thornberry
Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals
1979–2004
Succeeded by:
Patrick Higginbotham