William Judson Holloway, Jr., American soldier, lawyer, and judge (b. 1923)

William Judson Holloway Jr., born on June 23, 1923, and passing away on April 25, 2014, was a highly respected figure in the United States federal judiciary. His distinguished legal career culminated in his service as a United States Circuit Judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, a position he held with dedication and impartiality for many years.

The Role of a U.S. Circuit Judge

A United States Circuit Judge occupies a crucial position within the federal judicial system. These judges serve on the Uniteds States Courts of Appeals, which are the intermediate appellate courts in the federal system. Their primary responsibility is to review decisions made by the lower federal courts (U.S. District Courts) within their assigned circuit. This involves interpreting federal law, ensuring that trials were conducted fairly, and that legal principles were correctly applied. The work of a Circuit Judge often involves complex legal questions, shaping jurisprudence for a significant portion of the country.

The United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit

Judge Holloway's service on the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit placed him at the heart of federal law in a substantial geographical region. The Tenth Circuit encompasses a vast area, covering the federal judicial districts of six states: Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah, and Wyoming. This court hears appeals from district courts within these states, as well as from the U.S. Tax Court and certain federal administrative agencies. The decisions made by judges on this circuit, including Judge Holloway, have a profound impact on legal precedent and the lives of citizens across these western and midwestern states.

A Career of Public Service

While the original text succinctly states his ultimate judicial role, a position of such stature is typically the culmination of a robust legal career. Becoming a United States Circuit Judge involves a rigorous process: nomination by the President of the United States and confirmation by the Senate. Judge Holloway's long tenure on the bench reflects a commitment to public service and the rule of law. His work would have involved presiding over panels of judges, reviewing briefs, listening to oral arguments, and meticulously crafting opinions that would guide future legal interpretations. Judges like William Judson Holloway Jr. play an indispensable role in upholding the principles of justice and maintaining the integrity of the federal legal system, leaving a lasting legacy through their judicial opinions and contributions to legal thought.


Frequently Asked Questions

What is a United States Circuit Judge?
A United States Circuit Judge is a federal judge who serves on one of the thirteen U.S. Courts of Appeals. These courts are the intermediate appellate courts in the federal system, reviewing decisions from lower federal district courts.
What is the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit?
It is one of the thirteen federal appellate courts in the United States. It hears appeals from federal district courts located within its specific geographical jurisdiction.
What states does the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals cover?
The Tenth Circuit covers the federal judicial districts of Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah, and Wyoming.
When was William Judson Holloway Jr. born and when did he pass away?
William Judson Holloway Jr. was born on June 23, 1923, and passed away on April 25, 2014.
What was Judge Holloway's primary role?
His primary role was serving as a United States Circuit Judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit.