Sandra L. Townes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sandra Lynn Townes
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Townes in 2017
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| Senior Judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York | |
| In office May 1, 2015 – February 8, 2018 |
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| Judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York | |
| In office August 2, 2004 – May 1, 2015 |
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| Appointed by | George W. Bush |
| Preceded by | Sterling Johnson Jr. |
| Succeeded by | Ann Donnelly |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 29, 1944 Spartanburg, South Carolina |
| Died | February 8, 2018 (aged 73) Manhattan, New York |
| Education | Johnson C. Smith University (BA) Syracuse University College of Law (JD) |
Sandra Lynn Townes (September 29, 1944 – February 8, 2018) was an important judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York. She served the country by making fair decisions in legal cases.
Early Life and Education
Sandra L. Townes was born in Spartanburg, South Carolina. She was born on September 29, 1944.
She went to Johnson C. Smith University and earned her first degree, a Bachelor of Arts (BA), in 1966. Later, she studied law at Syracuse University College of Law. She earned her law degree, called a Juris Doctor (JD), in 1976. This degree allowed her to become a lawyer.
Legal Career Journey
After finishing law school, Sandra Townes began her career in law. She worked as an Assistant District Attorney in Onondaga County, New York. She held this job from 1977 to 1983.
She was promoted to Senior Assistant District Attorney in 1983. She then became Chief Assistant District Attorney in 1986. From 1988 to 1999, she served as a City Court Judge for Syracuse, New York.
In 1999, Townes was elected as a Justice for the New York Supreme Court. This is a high-level court in New York State. She served in this role from 2000 to 2004. During some of this time, she also worked as an Adjunct professor at Syracuse University College of Law. She also taught at Onondaga Community College.
Becoming a Federal Judge
On August 1, 2003, President George W. Bush chose Sandra Townes to be a federal judge. She was nominated for a position in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York. This court handles important cases that involve federal laws.
The Senate had to approve her nomination. They confirmed her on June 3, 2004. She officially became a judge on August 2, 2004.
On May 1, 2015, Judge Townes took senior status. This means she continued to work but with a reduced caseload. She served in this role until her passing on February 8, 2018. She passed away in Manhattan, New York, after facing health challenges.
See also
