Judge Pauline Newman's Suspension Extended by Committee

The Special Committee of the Federal Circuit has unanimously voted to extend the suspension of Judge Pauline Newman for an additional year due to concerns regarding her cognitive impairments. This decision follows extensive evidence, including witness accounts of her inappropriate behavior and confusion, which raised alarms about her mental health and ability to fulfill her judicial responsibilities. Despite her being the oldest federal judge and praised for her contributions to the patent system, Newman has resisted cooperating with the investigation, leading to the Committee's findings of her significant mental deterioration. In response to her suspension, Newman has attempted to challenge the decision in court, but her lawsuit was dismissed and is currently under appeal. The Committee's report cites 393 pages of supporting evidence, emphasizing the seriousness of the allegations against her. The investigation revealed a pattern of disturbing interactions with court staff, which Newman has not specifically disputed.