Diana E. Murphy facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Diana E. Murphy
Senior Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit
In office November 29, 2016 – May 16, 2018
Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit
In office October 11, 1994 – November 29, 2016
Appointed by	Bill Clinton
Preceded by	John R. Gibson
Succeeded by	David Stras
Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota
In office 1992–1994
Preceded by	Harry H. MacLaughlin
Succeeded by	Paul A. Magnuson
Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota
In office February 20, 1980 – October 13, 1994
Appointed by	Jimmy Carter
Preceded by	Seat established by 92 Stat. 1629
Succeeded by	Ann D. Montgomery
Personal details
Born	(1934-01-04)January 4, 1934 Faribault, Minnesota
Died	May 16, 2018(2018-05-16) (aged 84) Minneapolis, Minnesota
Education	University of Minnesota (BA) University of Minnesota Law School (JD)

Diana E. Murphy (born January 4, 1934 – died May 16, 2018) was an important United States federal judge. She served on two major courts. First, she was a judge for the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota. Later, she became a judge for the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. She was the first woman to serve on the Eighth Circuit court.

Becoming a Judge: Diana Murphy's Journey

Diana Murphy was born in Faribault, Minnesota. She loved learning and went to the University of Minnesota. In 1954, she earned a degree called a Bachelor of Arts. This is usually the first degree you get from a university.

Education and Early Career

After some time, she decided to study law. She went back to the University of Minnesota Law School and earned her law degree, called a Juris Doctor, in 1974. While she was there, she was an editor for the Minnesota Law Review. This is a special journal where students and professors write about legal topics.

After law school, Diana Murphy worked as a lawyer in Minneapolis, Minnesota, from 1974 to 1976. She then became a judge in local courts. She served on the Hennepin County Municipal Court from 1976 to 1978. After that, she was a judge on the Minnesota District Court, Fourth Judicial District, from 1978 to 1980.

Serving the Nation: Federal Judge

In 1979, President Jimmy Carter chose Diana Murphy to be a judge for the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota. This is a federal court where trials happen. The United States Senate agreed with the President's choice, and she became a judge on February 20, 1980.

From 1992 to 1994, she was the Chief Judge of that court. The Chief Judge helps manage the court and its judges.

Breaking Barriers: Court of Appeals

President Bill Clinton then nominated Diana Murphy for an even higher court. On October 11, 1994, she became a judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. This court reviews decisions made by the District Courts. It was a very special moment because she was the first woman ever to serve on this important court.

From 1999 to 2004, she also served as the Chair of the United States Sentencing Commission. This group helps create fair rules for how judges decide punishments in federal cases.

Later Years and Legacy

In 2016, Judge Murphy took what is called senior status. This means she worked a lighter schedule but still helped the court. She passed away on May 16, 2018, in her home in Minneapolis.

After her death, many people honored her. The Minnesota Law Review held a special event to remember her. Famous judges like Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg shared their thoughts about Judge Murphy's impact. Later, the federal courthouse in Minneapolis was renamed in her honor. This shows how much she contributed to the legal system.

Consideration for Attorney General

In 1993, Diana Murphy was considered for a very important job: Attorney General of the United States. This person is the chief lawyer for the U.S. government. The job eventually went to Janet Reno, but being considered shows how highly respected Judge Murphy was.

Sources

• Diana E. Murphy at the Biographical Directory of Federal Judges, a public domain publication of the Federal Judicial Center.

See also

In Spanish: Diana E. Murphy para niños