Joseph F. Weis Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joseph F. Weis Jr.
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| Senior Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit | |
| In office April 1, 1988 – March 19, 2014 |
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| Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit | |
| In office March 15, 1973 – April 1, 1988 |
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| Appointed by | Richard Nixon |
| Preceded by | Abraham Lincoln Freedman |
| Succeeded by | Richard Lowell Nygaard |
| Judge of the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania | |
| In office April 24, 1970 – March 27, 1973 |
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| Appointed by | Richard Nixon |
| Preceded by | Joseph Putnam Willson |
| Succeeded by | Daniel John Snyder Jr. |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Joseph F. Weis Jr.
March 12, 1923 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
| Died | March 19, 2014 (aged 91) Fox Chapel, Pennsylvania |
| Education | Duquesne University (BA) University of Pittsburgh School of Law (JD) |
Joseph Francis Weis Jr. (March 12, 1923 – March 19, 2014) was an important American judge. He served on two different federal courts. He was a United States circuit judge for the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. Before that, he was a United States district judge for the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania.
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Early Life and Education
Joseph F. Weis Jr. was born on March 12, 1923, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. After high school, he joined the United States Army. He served as a Captain from 1943 to 1948 during World War II.
After his military service, he went to college. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Duquesne University in 1947. Then, he studied law at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, getting his law degree (Juris Doctor) in 1950.
Legal Career Before Becoming a Judge
After finishing law school, Joseph Weis Jr. worked as a lawyer in Pittsburgh. He had his own private law practice from 1950 to 1968. This means he worked for himself and helped people with their legal problems.
In 1968, he became a judge for the first time. He served on the Court of Common Pleas in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. He held this position until 1970.
Serving as a Federal Judge
Joseph Weis Jr. became a federal judge thanks to President Richard Nixon.
District Court Judge
On March 11, 1970, President Nixon nominated him to be a judge on the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. The United States Senate approved his nomination on April 23, 1970. He officially started his new role on April 24, 1970. He served as a district judge until March 27, 1973.
Court of Appeals Judge
Soon after, President Nixon nominated him again, this time for a higher court. On February 13, 1973, he was nominated to be a judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. The Senate confirmed him on March 14, 1973, and he began serving on March 15, 1973.
He continued to serve on this court for many years. On April 1, 1988, he took on a special role called senior status. This means he still worked as a judge but with a reduced workload. He continued to serve until his death on March 19, 2014.
While serving as a federal judge, he also taught law. He was a professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law starting in 1986.
Awards and Special Recognition
Joseph Weis Jr. received many honors throughout his life. He was recognized for his bravery in the military and his excellent work as a judge.
Some of his awards include:
- Bronze Star for Valor (for bravery in the military)
- Purple Heart with oak leaf cluster (for injuries during military service)
- Edward J. Devitt Distinguished Service to Justice Award (a very high honor for judges)
- History Makers Award from the Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania
- Award for Judicial Leadership and Excellence
- Legion of Honour from the President of France
In 2015, a special honor was given to him after his death. The United States Courthouse in his hometown of Pittsburgh was renamed in his memory. This happened after new federal laws were passed and signed by President Barack Obama. The building is now called the Joseph F. Weis Jr. United States Courthouse. It is where the Western Pennsylvania District Court and the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit meet.
Death and Burial
Joseph F. Weis Jr. passed away on March 19, 2014, in Fox Chapel, Pennsylvania. He was buried with his wife, Margaret, at Arlington National Cemetery on September 12, 2014.
See also
- List of United States federal judges by longevity of service
