Joseph Jerome Farris facts for kids

Joseph Jerome Farris (born March 4, 1930 – died July 23, 2020) was an important American lawyer and judge. He served as a Senior United States Circuit Judge for a long time. This means he was a very experienced judge in a high court. He worked for the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit from 1979 until he passed away.

Judge Farris was chosen for this important job by President Jimmy Carter. He was born in Birmingham, Alabama. Joseph Farris died in Seattle, Washington when he was 90 years old.

Who Was Joseph Farris?

Joseph Jerome Farris was a respected figure in American law. He spent many years working as a lawyer and then as a judge. His career showed a strong dedication to justice and public service.

Early Life and Education

Joseph Farris was born in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1930. Growing up, he focused on his studies. He attended Clark Atlanta University and Morehouse College. These are both well-known colleges.

After college, he decided to study law. He went to the University of Washington School of Law. This is where he earned his law degree. His education prepared him for a long and successful career.

Serving in the Military

Before becoming a judge, Joseph Farris served in the United States Army. Many people serve in the military to protect their country. This experience often helps shape a person's character and discipline.

Becoming a Lawyer

After finishing law school, Joseph Farris became a lawyer. Lawyers help people understand laws and represent them in court. He worked hard to help his clients. This work gave him valuable experience in the legal system.

From Lawyer to Judge

Joseph Farris became a judge in Washington state. Judges make decisions in court cases. They make sure laws are followed fairly. This was an important step in his career.

What is a Federal Judge?

A federal judge is a judge who works for the United States government. They hear cases that involve federal laws. These laws apply to the entire country. Being a federal judge is a very important and powerful position.

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals

The United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit is a very important court. It is one of 13 federal appeals courts in the U.S. These courts review decisions made by lower courts. They make sure trials were fair and laws were applied correctly.

The Ninth Circuit covers a large area. It includes states like California, Washington, and Arizona. Judge Farris served as a Senior Circuit Judge there. This means he was a highly experienced judge on this court.

Nominated by President Jimmy Carter

In 1979, President Jimmy Carter chose Joseph Farris for the federal judge position. When a president nominates someone, it means they officially suggest that person for a job. The U.S. Senate then votes to approve the choice. This shows how much President Carter trusted Judge Farris's abilities.

Legacy and Impact

Joseph Farris served as a federal judge for over 40 years. He was one of the longest-serving judges in the Ninth Circuit. His long career made a big impact on the legal system. He helped shape many important legal decisions.

He was also an African-American judge. His presence on the court was important for diversity. He showed that people from all backgrounds can achieve high positions. Judge Farris passed away in 2020, leaving behind a legacy of public service.