Walter Edward Hoffman facts for kids

Walter Edward "Beef" Hoffman (born July 18, 1907 – died November 21, 1996) was an important judge in the United States. He served as a district judge for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.

Walter Hoffman's Early Life and Education

Walter Hoffman was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, in 1907. He went to the University of Pennsylvania and earned a science degree in 1928.

After that, he studied law at the William & Mary Law School. He then received a law degree from the Washington and Lee University School of Law in 1931.

Hoffman's Legal Career Before Becoming a Judge

From 1931 to 1954, Hoffman worked as a private lawyer in Norfolk, Virginia. He also taught law at the William & Mary Law School from 1933 to 1942.

For a few years, from 1942 to 1944, he worked as a Referee in Bankruptcy for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.

Becoming a Federal Judge

President Dwight D. Eisenhower chose Walter Hoffman to be a federal judge on June 29, 1954. He was appointed to a new judge position in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.

The United States Senate approved his appointment on July 14, 1954. He officially became a judge the very next day.

Hoffman's Role as Chief Judge

Judge Hoffman served as the Chief Judge for his court from 1961 to 1973. This meant he was the main leader of the court during those years.

In 1974, he became a Senior Judge. This allowed him to work a reduced schedule. He also led the Federal Judicial Center from 1974 to 1977. He continued to serve as a judge until his death in Norfolk on November 21, 1996.

Important Cases and Contributions

Judge Hoffman handled many important cases during his time on the bench. Some of the most notable involved school desegregation in Virginia.

Desegregation and Civil Rights Cases

Virginia had a policy called "Massive Resistance" which tried to prevent schools from integrating. Judge Hoffman was involved in many cases that challenged this policy. He worked to ensure that schools in places like Norfolk and Hampton Roads would become integrated.

He faced strong opposition for his decisions in these cases. Despite the challenges, he helped make sure that all students had equal access to education.

Other Notable Legal Work

Judge Hoffman also handled cases about state boundary disputes. He was known for believing that people involved in lawsuits should have their cases heard quickly.

He introduced a system called the "rocket docket" in his court. This system helped speed up trials and resolve cases faster. This method is still used today.

Walter Hoffman's Legacy

Walter Hoffman served as a federal judge for 42 years. He passed away in Norfolk in 1996.

To honor his work, the Walter E. Hoffman United States Courthouse in Norfolk is named after him. His important papers are kept at the Washington and Lee University School of Law. The Norfolk and Portsmouth Bar Association also gives an annual award in his name for community service.