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Clyde H. Hamilton
Clyde H. Hamilton.jpg
Senior Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
In office
November 30, 1999 – September 2, 2020
Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
In office
July 22, 1991 – November 30, 1999
Appointed by George H. W. Bush
Preceded by Seat established by 104 Stat. 5089
Succeeded by Dennis Shedd
Judge of the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina
In office
December 1, 1981 – July 31, 1991
Appointed by Ronald Reagan
Preceded by Robert F. Chapman
Succeeded by William Byrd Traxler Jr.
Personal details
Born
Clyde Henry Hamilton

(1934-02-08)February 8, 1934
Edgefield, South Carolina, U.S.
Died September 2, 2020(2020-09-02) (aged 86)
Columbia, South Carolina, U.S.
Education Wofford College (BS)
George Washington University Law School (JD)

Clyde Henry Hamilton (born February 8, 1934 – died September 2, 2020) was an important American judge. He served on two different federal courts. First, he was a United States district judge for the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina. Later, he became a Senior United States circuit judge for the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.

Early Life and Education

Clyde Henry Hamilton was born in Edgefield, South Carolina. He grew up there before going to college.

College and Law School

He attended Wofford College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1956. After that, he went to law school at George Washington University Law School. He received his law degree, called a Juris Doctor, in 1961.

Military Service and Private Practice

Before becoming a lawyer, he served in the United States Army. He was a Reserve Captain from 1956 to 1958. After law school, he worked as a private lawyer. He had his own law practice in Edgefield from 1961 to 1963. Then, he moved his practice to Spartanburg, South Carolina, where he worked until 1982.

Becoming a Federal Judge

Clyde Henry Hamilton had a long career serving as a judge in the United States.

District Court Judge

In 1981, President Ronald Reagan chose him to be a judge. He was nominated for a position on the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina. The United States Senate then voted to approve him, which is called "confirming" a judge. He officially became a judge on December 1, 1981. He served in this role for almost ten years, until July 31, 1991.

Court of Appeals Judge

In 1991, President George H. W. Bush nominated him again. This time, it was for a higher court: the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. This court hears appeals from the district courts. The Senate confirmed him again, and he started his new role on July 22, 1991.

Senior Status and Later Years

On November 30, 1999, Judge Hamilton took "senior status." This means a judge can reduce their workload but still hear cases. It's a way for experienced judges to continue serving. He passed away on September 2, 2020, at the age of 86.

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