Saundra Brown Armstrong facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Saundra Brown Armstrong
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| Senior Judge of the United States District Court for the Northern District of California | |
| Assumed office March 23, 2012 |
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| Judge of the United States District Court for the Northern District of California | |
| In office June 18, 1991 – March 23, 2012 |
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| Appointed by | George H. W. Bush |
| Preceded by | William Austin Ingram |
| Succeeded by | Jon S. Tigar |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 23, 1947 Oakland, California, U.S. |
| Education | Merritt College (AA) California State University, Fresno (BA) University of San Francisco (JD) Pacific School of Religion (MDiv) |
Saundra Brown Armstrong (born March 23, 1947) is a special kind of judge in the United States. She is a senior judge for the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. This means she has served for a long time and can choose to handle fewer cases. She has been an important figure in the legal system for many years.
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Early Life and Education
Saundra Brown Armstrong was born in Oakland, California on March 23, 1947. She worked hard in her studies. She earned an Associate of Arts degree from Merritt College in 1967. Later, she received a Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University, Fresno in 1969.
A Pioneer in Law Enforcement
Before becoming a judge, Saundra Armstrong made history. From 1970 to 1977, she was the first Black policewoman in the Oakland Police Department. This was a very important step for women and for diversity in law enforcement.
Becoming a Lawyer
After her time as a police officer, she continued her education. She earned a law degree, called a Juris Doctor, from the University of San Francisco School of Law in 1977. This degree allowed her to become a lawyer.
Early Legal Career
After law school, Saundra Armstrong gained a lot of experience. She worked as a judicial extern for the California Court of Appeals in 1977. She also served as a deputy district attorney in Alameda County, California. She held this role from 1978 to 1979 and again from 1980 to 1982.
From 1979 to 1980, she was a senior consultant. She advised the California Assembly Committee on Criminal Justice. This committee helps make laws about crime. She also worked for the United States Department of Justice from 1982 to 1983. There, she was a trial attorney in the Public Integrity Section.
Serving on Commissions
Saundra Armstrong also served on two important commissions. From 1983 to 1986, she was a Commissioner on the Consumer Product Safety Commission. This group helps make sure products are safe for people to use. Then, from 1986 to 1989, she was on the United States Parole Commission. This commission decides if people in prison can be released early.
Becoming a Judge in California
Before joining the federal court system, she became a judge in California. From 1989 to 1991, she served as a Judge on the Alameda Superior Court. This court handles many different types of cases in Alameda County.
Federal Judicial Service
On April 25, 1991, President George H. W. Bush nominated Saundra Armstrong to be a federal judge. She was chosen for a seat on the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. The United States Senate confirmed her appointment on June 14, 1991. She officially became a judge on June 18, 1991.
Senior Status
In 2012, Judge Armstrong earned another degree. She received a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from the Pacific School of Religion. On March 23, 2012, she took on senior status. This means she can continue to serve as a judge but with a reduced workload.
See also
In Spanish: Saundra Brown Armstrong para niños
- List of African-American federal judges
- List of African-American jurists
- List of first women lawyers and judges in California
