Judge Reggie Walton is a renowned American judge who has served on the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. Born on February 8, 1949, in North Charleroi, Pennsylvania, Judge Walton grew up in a family that emphasized the importance of education and public service. He earned his Bachelor's degree from West Virginia State College in 1971 and later received his Juris Doctor degree from the American University's Washington College of Law in 1974.
Career and Notable Cases
Judge Walton began his career as a law clerk for Judge Harrison L. Winter of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. He then worked as a trial attorney in the Civil Rights Division of the United States Department of Justice, where he played a crucial role in enforcing federal civil rights laws. In 1981, Judge Walton joined the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, where he served as an assistant United States attorney and later as the chief of the office’s Civil Division.
In 2001, Judge Walton was nominated by President George W. Bush to serve on the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. He was confirmed by the Senate on September 21, 2001, and received his commission on September 24, 2001. During his tenure on the bench, Judge Walton has presided over numerous high-profile cases, including the Valerie Plame affair, in which he sentenced former White House aide I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby to 30 months in prison for perjury and obstruction of justice. Judge Walton has also been involved in cases related to national security, intellectual property, and environmental law.
Notable Rulings and Decisions
Judge Walton has made several notable rulings and decisions during his time on the bench. In 2010, he ruled that the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) required the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to disclose certain documents related to the USA PATRIOT Act. He has also issued decisions in cases involving class action lawsuits, securities law, and antitrust law. Judge Walton’s rulings have been widely reported and have had significant implications for the development of federal law.
In addition to his work on the bench, Judge Walton has been involved in various judicial education and community outreach initiatives. He has taught courses on federal jurisdiction and trial practice at the American University's Washington College of Law and has participated in programs aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion in the legal profession.
| Case | Year | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| United States v. Libby | 2007 | Sentenced defendant to 30 months in prison |
| FBI v. Electronic Frontier Foundation | 2010 | Ruled that FOIA required disclosure of certain documents |
| In re: Visa Check/MasterMoney Antitrust Litigation | 2003 | Granted class certification in antitrust lawsuit |
Judge Walton's legacy as a fair and impartial jurist has been recognized through various awards and honors. In 2012, he received the Federal Bar Association's Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the federal judiciary. He has also been awarded the National Bar Association's Lifetime Achievement Award and the Washington Bar Association's Champion of Justice Award.
In conclusion, Judge Reggie Walton is a highly respected and experienced jurist who has made significant contributions to the federal judiciary. His notable cases, rulings, and decisions have had a lasting impact on the development of federal law, and his commitment to judicial education and community outreach has promoted diversity and inclusion in the legal profession.
What is Judge Reggie Walton’s most notable case?
+Judge Walton’s most notable case is the Valerie Plame affair, in which he sentenced former White House aide I. Lewis “Scooter” Libby to 30 months in prison for perjury and obstruction of justice.
What awards has Judge Walton received for his contributions to the federal judiciary?
+Judge Walton has received the Federal Bar Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award, the National Bar Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Washington Bar Association’s Champion of Justice Award.
What is Judge Walton’s approach to judicial education and community outreach?
+Judge Walton has taught courses on federal jurisdiction and trial practice at the American University’s Washington College of Law and has participated in programs aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion in the legal profession.
