Rossie D. Alston Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rossie D. Alston Jr.
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| Judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | |
| Assumed office June 12, 2019 |
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| Appointed by | Donald Trump |
| Preceded by | Gerald Bruce Lee |
| Judge of the Court of Appeals of Virginia | |
| In office March 1, 2009 – June 12, 2019 |
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| Preceded by | Jean Harrison Clements |
| Judge of the Prince William County Circuit Court | |
| In office 2001–2009 |
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| Judge of the Prince William County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court | |
| In office 1998–2001 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
Rossie David Alston Jr.
May 31, 1957 Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Spouse | Carol Miller |
| Education | Averett University (BA) North Carolina Central University (JD) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Army |
| Years of service | 1975 |
| Rank |  Private First Class |
| Awards |
See list
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Rossie David Alston Jr. (born May 31, 1957) is an American lawyer and judge. He currently serves as a district judge for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. Former President Donald Trump appointed him to this important role in 2019.
Before becoming a federal judge, he was a judge on the Court of Appeals of Virginia. He also served as a judge in the Prince William County Circuit Court and the Prince William County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court.
Early Life and Career
Rossie D. Alston Jr. was born in Washington, D.C., on May 31, 1957. He went to Averett University and earned his bachelor's degree in 1979. Later, he studied law at the North Carolina Central University School of Law, getting his law degree in 1982.
After law school, he worked as a staff attorney for the National Labor Relations Board for two years. This government agency helps make sure workers' rights are protected. After that, he worked as a private lawyer.
Becoming a Judge
In 1998, the Virginia General Assembly chose Rossie Alston Jr. to be a judge. He started in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court for Prince William County. This court handles cases involving young people and families.
In 2001, he became a judge for the Prince William County Circuit Court. This court handles more serious cases. His colleagues later chose him to be the Chief Judge of the circuit court in 2007.
In 2009, Judge Alston was promoted to the Court of Appeals of Virginia. This court reviews decisions made by lower courts in Virginia. He served there until 2019.
Federal Judge Appointment
On June 7, 2018, President Donald Trump announced his plan to nominate Judge Alston to become a United States district judge. This is a very important position in the federal court system. His nomination was sent to the United States Senate on June 18, 2018. He was nominated to fill a seat that became open when Judge Gerald Bruce Lee retired.
The Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing about his nomination on October 10, 2018. After some steps in the Senate, his nomination was confirmed on June 10, 2019, by a vote of 75 to 20. He officially became a federal judge on June 12, 2019.
Recent Work
In December 2023, Judge Alston issued a temporary order regarding the 1914 Confederate Monument at Arlington National Cemetery. This monument was planned for removal. Judge Alston's order temporarily stopped the removal to allow for a hearing.
During the hearing, Judge Alston visited the site. He found no evidence that graves were disturbed during the removal process. He then allowed the removal work to continue.
See also
