Federal Judge Bruce Selya, 90, dies in Rhode Island

Judge Bruce M. Selya, a prominent figure in the legal community and the first Jewish person to serve on the federal bench in Rhode Island, passed away at the age of 90. Appointed by President Ronald Reagan in 1982 as a U.S. District Court judge, Selya was later elevated to the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in 1986. Known for his expansive vocabulary and distinctive writing style, he authored over 1,800 opinions, earning respect for his high ethical standards and contributions to the law. U.S. Senator Jack Reed praised Selya as a 'legal legend' whose impact extended beyond the courtroom, highlighting his dedication to his hometown of Providence. Selya also served as the chief judge of the U.S. Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court of Review and was honored in 2023 when a street was named after him. His legacy will be remembered through his influence on future generations of lawyers, including U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, who credited him with expanding her legal vocabulary during her clerkship.