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Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer: The First Woman to Hold a Federal Judicial Position

Introduction:

Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer, a trailblazing legal luminary, became the first woman to serve as a federal judge in the United States. Her appointment in 1971 shattered barriers and paved the way for countless women in the legal profession. This article explores the life and legacy of Judge Sommer, highlighting her significant achievements and the impact she had on the American judicial system.

Early Life and Education:

judge mary marlowe sommer

Mary Marlowe Sommer was born on September 28, 1923, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She earned a bachelor's degree from the College of New Rochelle in 1944 and a law degree from Fordham University School of Law in 1948. After graduating, Sommer practiced law in New York City for several years before moving to New Jersey in 1953.

Legal Career:

Sommer's legal career in New Jersey was marked by her dedication to public service. She served as an assistant prosecutor in Union County from 1955 to 1960 and later as a judge on the New Jersey Superior Court from 1967 to 1971. In recognition of her exceptional abilities, President Richard Nixon appointed Sommer to the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey in 1971.

Appointment to the Federal Bench:

Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer: The First Woman to Hold a Federal Judicial Position

Sommer's appointment to the federal bench was a historic moment for the legal community. She became the first woman to hold a federal judicial position, breaking down a significant gender barrier. Her elevation to the bench paved the way for other women to achieve legal prominence and inspired generations of aspiring jurists.

Judicial Tenure:

Judge Sommer served with distinction on the federal bench for 25 years, presiding over numerous high-profile cases. She was known for her sharp intellect, incisive analysis, and unwavering commitment to justice. In addition to her regular caseload, Sommer was also appointed to several special judicial panels, including the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) Court.

Notable Opinions:

Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer: The First Woman to Hold a Federal Judicial Position

Among Judge Sommer's many notable opinions, two stand out as particularly significant:

  • United States v. Choyce: In this 1987 case, Sommer held that the use of excessive force by police officers violated the Fourth Amendment protection against unreasonable searches and seizures.
  • Planned Parenthood v. Farmer: In this 1996 case, Sommer struck down a New Jersey law requiring minors to obtain parental consent before obtaining an abortion. This ruling was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2006.

Retirement and Legacy:

Judge Sommer retired from the bench in 1996, leaving an enduring legacy as a pioneer for women in the legal profession. She received numerous awards and accolades for her contributions to the judiciary and to society as a whole. She passed away on June 21, 2015, at the age of 91.

Impact on the Legal Profession:

Judge Sommer's appointment to the federal bench had a profound impact on the legal profession. It demonstrated that women were capable of holding positions of power and influence within the judiciary. Her decisions and opinions advanced equal rights and protections under the law for all citizens, regardless of gender.

Pathfinder for Future Generations:

Mary Marlowe Sommer was a pathfinder for future generations of women lawyers and judges. Her trailblazing achievements inspired countless others to pursue careers in law and to strive for excellence within the profession. She remains an icon for women in the legal field, representing the power of determination and the transformative nature of breaking down barriers.

Tables:

Table 1: Timeline of Judge Sommer's Career

Year Event
1923 Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
1944 Earns bachelor's degree from College of New Rochelle
1948 Graduates from Fordham University School of Law
1955-1960 Serves as assistant prosecutor in Union County, New Jersey
1967-1971 Serves as judge on the New Jersey Superior Court
1971 Appointed to the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey
1996 Retires from the bench
2015 Passes away at the age of 91

Table 2: Notable Opinions by Judge Sommer

Case Year Issue
United States v. Choyce 1987 Use of excessive force by police officers
Planned Parenthood v. Farmer 1996 Parental consent requirement for abortions

Table 3: Awards and Accolades

Award Year
Edward R. Jayne Medal from Fordham University School of Law 1972
American Bar Association Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Award 1974
New Jersey Women's Conference Making a Difference Award 1996

Table 4: Impact of Judge Sommer's Appointment

| Impact |
|---|---|
| Broke down gender barriers within the judiciary |
| Inspired countless women to pursue careers in law |
| Advanced equal rights and protections under the law |
| Set the stage for future generations of women judges |

Conclusion:

Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer's groundbreaking appointment to the federal bench was a transformative moment for the legal profession and for society as a whole. Her courage, determination, and unwavering commitment to justice inspired

Time:2024-12-29 08:54:55 UTC

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