Boyce Ficklen Martin Jr. - Appointment To The Sixth Circuit

Appointment To The Sixth Circuit

On June 5, 1979, Martin was nominated by President Jimmy Carter to a new seat on the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit created by 92 Stat. 1629. He was confirmed by the United States Senate on September 25, 1979, and received his commission the following day. He served as Chief Judge of the Sixth Circuit from October 1, 1996, until September 30, 2003 and is now Chief Judge Emeritus. During his tenure as Chief Judge steered the Circuit through a turbulent period when up to seven of the sixteen judgeships were vacant due to an impasse between Congress and the President over judicial nominations. As the longest serving active member of the court, he is its most senior active judge.

Martin's style both on the bench and in written opinions is characterized by “no-nonsense jurisprudence,” clear and concise writing, and a focus on common sense. He has been cited as an example of how common sense helps “sustain the law, not destroy it.” The purpose of an opinion is to provide justice to the parties and explain the law to the lawyers and the public. To this end, he quickly publishes opinions so that the disputing parties need not wait longer than necessary. He is also known to liven his opinions with the occasional quote about ostriches or Homer Simpson.