Overview

Douglas Howard Ginsburg (born May 25, 1946) is a senior judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Appointed to that court in October 1986 by President Ronald Reagan, he became one of the more visible jurists on a court often described as the second most important in the U.S. federal judiciary because of its frequent review of federal agency actions.

Judicial career and roles

Ginsburg served actively on the D.C. Circuit after his 1986 appointment and was elevated to chief judge of that court from July 2001 until February 2008. As chief judge he oversaw administrative functions of the court while continuing to hear and decide cases. The D.C. Circuit routinely addresses issues in administrative, regulatory and constitutional law, and judges on that court are frequently consulted for their views on federal governance and regulatory review.

  • Appointed to the D.C. Circuit: October 1986
  • Chief judge of the D.C. Circuit: July 2001–February 2008

Supreme Court nomination and withdrawal

In October 1987 Ginsburg was nominated by President Reagan to fill a vacancy on the United States Supreme Court. His nomination drew intense attention after reports emerged about his past use of marijuana. Facing controversy over that history, Ginsburg withdrew his name from consideration. The episode was widely discussed at the time for what it revealed about vetting and the political scrutiny applied to high court nominees.

Background and public profile

Ginsburg is of Jewish descent. Over the course of his career he developed a reputation as an experienced appellate judge who dealt frequently with administrative and statutory interpretation issues. His long tenure on the D.C. Circuit has placed him among a cohort of judges whose rulings influence federal regulatory policy and the development of administrative law precedents.

Significance and legacy

Beyond the particulars of his nomination episode, Ginsburg's career illustrates the role of the D.C. Circuit in the American judicial system: that a judge on this court can shape legal approaches to executive agencies, rulemaking and the enforcement of federal law. His time as chief judge also reflects the administrative responsibilities senior judges take on, in addition to their caseloads, to maintain court operations and institutional continuity.

For further reading on related topics, see materials about the Reagan presidency, judicial nominations and the D.C. Circuit's role in federal lawmaking and administrative review. Additional references and primary documents are available through legal archives and court records.

Reagan administration | Ronald Reagan | Supreme Court | marijuana | Jewish