Statement of Senator Feinstein in Support of Justice Consuelo Callahan's Nomination to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
May 8, 2003

Washington, DC - The Senate Judiciary Committee today voted unanimously to approve Justice Consuelo Callahan to the Ninth Circuit Court of appeals. The following is the statement of Senator Feinstein:

"I am pleased to support Justice Consuelo Callahan, a nominee for the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Justice Callahan currently serves in the California state court system as an appellate judge on the Third District Court of Appeal, which is located in Sacramento. Justice Callahan has strong roots in California. She was born in Palo Alto and grew up in the Bay Area. For college, she attended Stanford University, where she graduated with Honors. She then attended the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law.

After law school, Justice Callahan embarked on a career as a government lawyer. She first worked as a City Attorney for the City of Stockton and then joined the San Joaquin District Attorney's Office as a Deputy District Attorney. In the District Attorney's office , Justice Callahan established the office's first child abuse and sexual assault unit. She also personally handled over 50 jury trials during her tenure as a prosecutor.

In 1986, Justice Callahan became a Commissioner of the Stockton Municipal Court. Six years later, she was appointed to the San Joaquin Superior Court where she become the first Hispanic woman to serve on that bench. In 1996, Justice Callahan was elevated to the State Court of Appeal. Upon her appointment, she became the first judge from San Joaquin County to serve on the Third District Court of Appeal in 73 years.

Justice Callahan comes to this nomination with the strong support of her colleagues in the Sacramento area legal community. Notably, all 10 justices who serve with Justice Callahan on the Third Appellate District have written in support of her nomination. The justices write that "during her more than six years on our court, Connie has shown that she has the integrity, capacity, collegiality and diligence to serve with distinction on the Ninth Circuit."

Justice Callahan remains actively involved in professional and civic activities. She is President of the Anthony M. Kennedy Inn of Court, President of the Alumni Board of McGeorge School of law, and a former member of the Executive Board of the California Judges Association. For her work in the field of child abuse, she has received an award from the San Joaquin County Juvenile Justice Commission. The San Joaquin County Medication Center named her Peacemaker of the Year.

Justice Callahan is clearly a well-qualified candidate for the Ninth Circuit, and I am pleased that the committee unanimously approved her nomination today. It is my hope that the Senate will approve her nomination quickly, so that she may begin to serve as soon as possible."

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