Norma Holloway Johnson facts for kids

Norma Holloway Johnson (born Normalie Loyce Holloway; July 28, 1932 – September 18, 2011) was an important U.S. District Judge. She served as the Chief Judge for the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. She was also the first African-American woman in U.S. history to be a Chief Judge of a U.S. District Court. Judge Johnson was well-known for overseeing a major investigation involving President Bill Clinton.

Early Life and Education

Norma Holloway Johnson was born on July 28, 1932, in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Her parents were Henry and Beatrice Williams Holloway. She worked hard in her studies.

College and Law School

Johnson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1955. She got this from the District of Columbia Teachers College. This school is now known as the University of the District of Columbia. Later, she went to Georgetown Law and earned her law degree in 1962.

Early Career in Law

After law school, Johnson started her own legal practice in Washington, D.C.. From 1963 to 1967, she worked as a trial attorney. This was for the United States Department of Justice Civil Division. She then became an assistant corporation counsel for the District of Columbia. This job is now called Assistant Attorney General. In 1970, President Richard Nixon appointed her. She became a judge for the District of Columbia Superior Court.

Becoming a Federal Judge

Judge Norma Holloway Johnson

On February 28, 1980, President Jimmy Carter nominated Norma Holloway Johnson. He chose her for a judge position. This was on the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. The United States Senate approved her nomination on May 9, 1980. She officially started her work as a judge on May 12, 1980.

Role as Chief Judge

Judge Johnson became the Chief Judge in 1997. She held this important role until June 18, 2001. After this, she took on a "senior status." This means she continued to serve but with a reduced workload. She retired completely on December 31, 2003.

Important Cases and Decisions

As Chief Judge, Norma Holloway Johnson handled many important legal matters. The Washington Post newspaper called her a "Key Player." This was during a major investigation in 1998. She had to make many decisions related to the investigation. This investigation was led by independent counsel Kenneth W. Starr.

Decisions in High-Profile Investigations

One of her most challenging tasks involved an investigation into President Bill Clinton. Judge Johnson made rulings that allowed the investigation to move forward. For example, in 1998, she decided that President Clinton could not stop investigators from asking questions to White House staff. She ruled that the need for evidence was more important. Her decisions helped the investigation continue.

Other Notable Rulings

Judge Johnson also oversaw the case of Rita Lavelle. Lavelle was found guilty of making false statements. Johnson sentenced her to prison.

In 1996, she sentenced former congressman Dan Rostenkowski. He was found guilty of misusing his position for personal gain. Judge Johnson told him that he had "stained" himself and his family.

Later Life and Legacy

Norma Holloway Johnson passed away on September 18, 2011. She died at her brother's home in Lake Charles, Louisiana, after having a stroke.

Family Connections

Through her mother, Norma Holloway Johnson was a first cousin to Rupert Richardson. Richardson was an important African-American civil rights activist. She served as the president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) from 1992 to 1995.

See also

• List of first women lawyers and judges in Washington D.C. (Federal District)

Images for kids

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  Judge Norma Holloway Johnson