Sharon Johnson Coleman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sharon Johnson Coleman
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Coleman in 2019
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| Judge of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois | |
| Assumed office July 13, 2010 |
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| Appointed by | Barack Obama |
| Preceded by | Mark Filip |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Sharon Lynn Johnson
July 19, 1960 Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Education | Northern Illinois University (BA) Washington University in St. Louis (JD) |
Sharon Lynn Johnson Coleman, born on July 19, 1960, is a very important judge in the United States. She serves as a United States district judge for the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Before this, she was a justice on the Illinois Appellate Court.
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Early Life and Education
Sharon Coleman was born in the big city of Chicago, Illinois. She went to Northern Illinois University and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in History in 1981. After that, she continued her studies at Washington University School of Law. She received her law degree, called a Juris Doctor, in 1984.
Judge Coleman's Career Journey
After finishing law school, Judge Coleman began her career helping the public.
Early Legal Roles
From 1984 to 1989, she worked as an Assistant State’s Attorney in Cook County. Then, from 1989 to 1993, she was an Assistant United States Attorney in Northern Illinois. This meant she represented the U.S. government in legal cases.
Between 1993 and 1996, she became a Deputy State’s Attorney. She was also a Bureau Chief for the Public Interest Bureau in Cook County.
Becoming a Judge
In 1996, Sharon Coleman became a judge on the Cook County Circuit Court. She worked in different areas, including helping children in the child protection division. She served in this role until 2008.
From 2008 to 2010, she was a judge on the Illinois Appellate Court in Chicago. This court reviews decisions made by lower courts.
Federal Judicial Service
On February 24, 2010, President Barack Obama chose Judge Coleman for a big job. He nominated her to be a judge on the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. This is a federal court, meaning it handles cases involving federal laws.
The United States Senate voted to approve her nomination on July 12, 2010. The vote was 86–0, showing strong support for her. She officially started her new role as a federal judge on July 13, 2010.
Important Cases and Decisions
Judge Coleman has overseen many important cases during her time as a federal judge.
Marriage Equality Ruling
In February 2014, Judge Coleman made a significant ruling. Her decision allowed same-sex couples to marry in Illinois. This happened before the state's law officially changed in June 2014. Her ruling helped many couples get married sooner.
Technology and Business Cases
In 2011, Judge Coleman handled a case about electronic trading software. This was a patent infringement case, meaning one company claimed another was using its invention without permission. She ruled in favor of Trading Technologies International Inc. She also ordered penalties against the other company. This was because a witness had deleted computer files that were important evidence.
Public Official Cases
In 2015, Judge Coleman sentenced a former state representative, Derrick Smith. He had been found guilty of taking a bribe. Judge Coleman ordered him to spend five months in prison. He also had to complete community service and be supervised after his release.
Constitutional Rights Cases
Judge Coleman has also presided over cases involving important constitutional rights. In March 2024, she made a ruling about a federal law concerning who can own firearms. She found that while the law was generally constitutional, it did not apply to a specific defendant in one case. This decision was based on new guidance from higher courts.
She has also shared her thoughts on how courts should interpret old laws for modern times. In one case, she noted the challenges of using historical laws to decide current issues. She emphasized that courts must follow the rules set by the Supreme Court, even when they are difficult to apply.
Personal Life
Sharon Coleman is married to Wheeler Coleman. They live together in Chicago, Illinois.
See also
