Allyson K. Duncan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Allyson K. Duncan
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Duncan in 2012
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| Senior Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit | |
| In office March 21, 2019 – July 31, 2019 |
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| Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit | |
| In office August 15, 2003 – March 21, 2019 |
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| Appointed by | George W. Bush |
| Preceded by | Samuel James Ervin III |
| Succeeded by | Allison Jones Rushing |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 5, 1951 Durham, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Education | Hampton University (BA) Duke University (JD) |
Allyson Kay Duncan (born September 5, 1951, in Durham, North Carolina) is a very important former judge. She served as a United States circuit judge for the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. What makes her special is that she was the first female African American judge on this court.
Early Life and Education
Allyson Duncan earned her first college degree, a Bachelor of Arts, from Hampton University in 1972. She then went on to study law at Duke University School of Law, where she received her law degree, called a Juris Doctor, in 1975.
After law school, she worked as an editor for a publishing company for a year. Then, from 1977 to 1978, she worked as a law clerk for Judge Julia Cooper Mack. A law clerk helps a judge with legal research and writing.
Working for the Government
In 1978, Allyson Duncan joined the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). This is a government agency that works to prevent unfair treatment in jobs. She held many important roles there until 1986. For example, she helped with legal appeals and advised the chairman.
Later, she became a professor at North Carolina Central University School of Law from 1986 to 1990. She taught different law subjects, including how to argue cases in higher courts.
In 1990, she briefly served as a judge on the North Carolina Court of Appeals. She was appointed by Governor James G. Martin.
Becoming a Federal Judge
In 2003, President George W. Bush chose Allyson Duncan to become a judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. This court hears appeals from federal courts in several states.
The United States Senate voted to confirm her appointment on July 17, 2003. All 93 senators present voted yes, showing strong support for her. She officially became a judge on August 15, 2003.
In 2018, Judge Duncan announced she would take "senior status" after a new judge was confirmed. This means a judge can work a reduced schedule. She officially took senior status on March 21, 2019, and then retired completely on July 31, 2019.
See also
- List of African-American federal judges
- List of African-American jurists
- List of first women lawyers and judges in North Carolina
