James A. Beaty Jr. facts for kids

James Arthur Beaty Jr. (born June 28, 1949) is a former United States federal judge. He served as a judge for the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina. He was also considered for a position on a higher court, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.

Early Life and Education

James A. Beaty Jr. was born on June 28, 1949, in Whitmire, South Carolina. He went to Western Carolina University and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1971.

After that, he studied law at the University of North Carolina School of Law. He received his law degree, called a Juris Doctor, in 1974.

Starting His Legal Career

After finishing law school, Beaty began working as a lawyer. He started his own private law practice in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, in 1974.

In 1981, he became a judge for the Superior Court of Forsyth County, North Carolina. He held this important position for many years, until 1994.

Federal Judicial Service

In 1994, President Bill Clinton chose James A. Beaty Jr. to become a federal judge. This meant he would serve on the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina. This court handles federal cases in that part of North Carolina.

The United States Senate agreed with President Clinton's choice. They confirmed Beaty's appointment on October 7, 1994. He then began his service as a federal judge.

Leadership Role as Chief Judge

In 2006, Judge Beaty took on an even bigger role. He became the Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina. The Chief Judge helps manage the court and its cases.

He served as Chief Judge until 2012. His main office was located in Winston-Salem.

Moving to Senior Status

On June 30, 2014, Judge Beaty changed to what is called 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 fully retired from his active duties as a judge on January 31, 2018.

Nomination to a Higher Court

In 1995, President Clinton nominated Judge Beaty for a position on a higher court. This was the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. This court hears appeals from federal district courts in several states.

However, this nomination faced some challenges. The Senate Judiciary Committee did not hold a hearing or a vote on his nomination in 1996.

Renomination and Challenges

President Clinton nominated Judge Beaty again in 1997. But the nomination still faced difficulties. Some people felt that the court did not need another judge at that time.

Because of these challenges, Judge Beaty's nomination was never approved. It remained pending for over 1,000 days. This made it one of the longest appeals-court nominations in U.S. history that was not acted upon by the U.S. Senate.

See also

• Bill Clinton judicial appointment controversies
• List of African-American federal judges
• List of African-American jurists