Reggie Walton is a renowned American judge who has served on the United States District Court for the District of Columbia since 2001. Born on February 8, 1949, in North Charleston, South Carolina, Judge Walton's life has been a testament to his dedication to public service and his commitment to upholding the law.
Early Life and Education
Reggie Walton grew up in a low-income family and was raised by his mother, who worked tirelessly to provide for him and his siblings. Despite the financial challenges they faced, Walton’s mother instilled in him a strong sense of discipline and a desire to succeed. He attended local schools in North Charleston and later enrolled at West Virginia State College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1971. Walton then went on to pursue a law degree at the American University Washington College of Law, graduating in 1974.
Professional Career
After completing his law degree, Walton began his career in public service as a law clerk for Judge William B. Bryant of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. He then worked as a staff attorney for the District of Columbia Public Defender Service and later as an assistant United States attorney for the District of Columbia. In 1986, Walton was appointed as an associate judge on the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, a position he held until 2001, when he was nominated by President George W. Bush to serve on the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.
| Position | Year |
|---|---|
| Law Clerk, United States District Court for the District of Columbia | 1974-1976 |
| Staff Attorney, District of Columbia Public Defender Service | 1976-1981 |
| Assistant United States Attorney, District of Columbia | 1981-1986 |
| Associate Judge, Superior Court of the District of Columbia | 1986-2001 |
| United States District Judge, United States District Court for the District of Columbia | 2001-Present |
Notable Cases
During his tenure on the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, Judge Walton has presided over numerous high-profile cases, including the prosecution of former Vice President Dick Cheney’s chief of staff, I. Lewis “Scooter” Libby, and the trial of former baseball player Roger Clemens. In the Libby case, Judge Walton sentenced Libby to 30 months in prison for perjury and obstruction of justice, a decision that was later commuted by President George W. Bush. In the Clemens case, Judge Walton declared a mistrial due to prosecutorial misconduct, a decision that was later upheld by the Court of Appeals.
Judicial Philosophy
Judge Walton’s judicial philosophy is centered on the principles of fairness, impartiality, and respect for the law. He believes that the role of a judge is to interpret the law as written, rather than to impose his own personal beliefs or biases. Throughout his career, Judge Walton has demonstrated a commitment to ensuring that all litigants receive a fair hearing and that justice is served in accordance with the law.
What is Judge Reggie Walton’s background?
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Judge Reggie Walton was born on February 8, 1949, in North Charleston, South Carolina. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from West Virginia State College in 1971 and a law degree from the American University Washington College of Law in 1974.
What are some notable cases that Judge Walton has presided over?
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Judge Walton has presided over numerous high-profile cases, including the prosecution of former Vice President Dick Cheney’s chief of staff, I. Lewis “Scooter” Libby, and the trial of former baseball player Roger Clemens.
What is Judge Walton’s judicial philosophy?
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Judge Walton’s judicial philosophy is centered on the principles of fairness, impartiality, and respect for the law. He believes that the role of a judge is to interpret the law as written, rather than to impose his own personal beliefs or biases.
