Joseph Farnan

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Joseph Farnan

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Prior offices
United States District Court for the District of Delaware

Education

Bachelor's

King's College, 1967

Law

University of Toledo Law, 1970

Personal
Birthplace
Philadelphia, Pa.


Joseph James Farnan, Jr. was a federal judge for the United States District Court for the District of Delaware. He joined the court in 1985 after being nominated by President Ronald Reagan. Farnan retired from the court July 31, 2010.[1][2][3]

Early life and education

A native of Pennsylvania, Farnan graduated from King's College with his bachelor's degree in 1967 and later graduated from the University of Toledo College of Law with his J.D. in 1970.[4]

Professional career

  • 1981-1985: U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware
  • 1979-1981: Chief deputy attorney General, State of Delaware
  • 1976-1979: County attorney, New Castle County, Delaware
  • 1972-1976: Private practice, Wilmington, Delaware
  • 1972-1975: Assistant public defender, State of Delaware
  • 1970-1972: Director, Criminal Justice Program, Wilmington College, New Castle, Delaware[4]

Judicial career

District of Delaware

On the recommendation of Delaware's at-large Congressman Thomas Evans Farnan was nominated by President Ronald Reagan on June 21, 1985, to a new seat created by 98 Stat. 333. Farnan was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on July 16, 1985, and received commission on July 18, 1985. Farnan was the chief judge of the court from 1996 to 2000.[4]

Noteworthy cases

School prayer lawsuit

Judge Farman issued a ruling on February 22, 2010, that the Indian River School Board can begin its meetings with a prayer or moment of silence. Judge Farman dismissed the lawsuit that was filed by two Jewish families who claimed the school district violated the First Amendment on the principle of separation of Church and State. The judge issued in his opinion that the school district did not violate the First Amendment.[5]

See also

External links


Footnotes

Political offices
Preceded by:
NA
District of Delaware
1985–2010
Seat #4
Succeeded by:
Richard G. Andrews