Robert C. Broomfield

Education and early life

Broomfield was born in Detroit, Michigan. He pursued undergraduate studies at Pennsylvania State University and completed his legal training at the University of Arizona College of Law. Accounts of his life note a deep connection to Arizona, where he established his legal career prior to elevation to the federal bench.

Career and judicial service

On May 15, 1985, Broomfield was nominated to the federal trial court by the President; his confirmation followed on July 10, 1985. He was assigned to the United States District Court for the District of Arizona, the federal trial court that handles both civil and criminal matters arising under federal law across the state. Broomfield served as chief judge of that court from 1994 until 1999, after which he assumed senior status and continued to hear cases and manage a reduced caseload.

1. May 15, 1985: Presidential nomination recorded (nomination record).
2. July 10, 1985: Confirmed by the United States Senate.
3. 1994–1999: Served as chief judge of the District of Arizona.
4. 1999–2014: Continued service as a senior judge, remaining active on the bench.

Role and responsibilities

As a district judge, Broomfield presided over trials, ruled on motions, and issued written opinions in both civil and criminal federal cases. The position of chief judge includes administrative duties such as case assignment, court management, and representing the district in interactions with the Judicial Conference and other institutions. Senior judges, a form of semi-retirement available to experienced federal jurists, often maintain a significant docket and provide continuity within the court.

Death and legacy

Broomfield died on July 10, 2014, in Phoenix, Arizona, at the age of 81. His death was reported in contemporary obituaries and remembrances (obituary notice), which highlighted his decades of judicial service and his contributions to the federal judiciary in Arizona. For more detailed biographical material and career records, see the available judicial biographical profile and court archives.

While this summary highlights key dates and roles, Broomfield's professional life is best understood within the broader context of the federal trial court system and the local legal community he served. Interested readers can consult court histories and institutional records for additional context and documentation about his opinions, administrative initiatives, and public service.

For institutional context and further reading one might refer to regional resources and law school histories, such as material associated with Penn State and the University of Arizona College of Law, as well as federal court publications available through the district's information channels (District Court information).