Profile of Judge Alex Kozinski

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Court: United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

Appointed by: President Reagan, 1985

Born: July 23, 1950 in Bucharest, Rumania

Education: UCLA 1972; JD, UCLA 1975

Law Practice: Law Clerk, United States Supreme Court (1976-77); Ferry, Gilbert, Singer & Gilles (1977-79); Covington & Burling (1979-81); Office of Counsel to the President (1981); Merit Systems Protection Board (1981-82)

Judicial Appointments: United States Claims Court (1982-85); Ninth Circuit (1985-present)

Opinions Reported in Appellate Decisions Noted:

• Ninth Circuit holds lawyer's criticism of judge protected by First Amendment
• After-acquired evidence of wrongdoing limits employee's remedies for employment discrimination
• 25-pound lifting restriction is not a disability under Americans with Disabilities Act
• Single unsavory incident not enough to prove hostile work environment
• Anti-abortion activists have First Amendment right to publicize names of abortion providers
• Latin cross in national park violates First Amendment

Additional Sources of Information:

• Judge Kozinski's Diary, written for Microsoft's Slate electronic magazine

Comments from Visitors to the Appellate Counsellor Home Page:

Elizabeth Larkin (6/28/98)

I would like to applaud Judge Kozinski. I heard his interview on NPR and was amazed by his honesty. It is rare in this age of political correctness to hear someone speak from the heart, I had to write to inform him that I appreciate him and his honesty and dedication to what he feels is right.

Cheryl (12/4/00)

If you've read this far, you should click on the "Diaries" link above and you'll see why all his opinions make such interesting reading. Who could ask for more in a judge than one who sees the individual human drama in every case?

Dubligan DeGleep (6/14/01)

I heard Judge Kozinski today on the nationally syndicated radio show, Democracy Now. He was debating the death penalty with an attorney and he took an ardent postion in favor of it. Those who want to listen to the interview themselves can go to this link: http://www.webactive.com/webactive/pacifica/demnow.html I was horrified by the judge's views, not just on the death penalty but also statements like "Native Americans suffered more from disease than from mistreatment by American settlers." This man is clearly unfit to be a judge!

Anonymous (6/14/01)

I was really shocked by Judge Kozinksi's comments this morning on Station KPFK, in the program "Democracy Now", about the death penalty. This is an appeals judge? His arguments were emotional rather than logical; he adduced extreme cases rather than discussing the death penalty per se; he dismissed, e.g. American Indian genocide; wish I could remember all the errors in simple logic and reasoning. I feel sorry for anybody whose case comes before him for review. He doesn't even seem quite human.

Anonymous (6/16/01)

Very sharp and intelligent man, but he also has a terrible temper-especially when you disagree with something he clings to.

Anonymous (6/25/01)

I enjoyed reading Judge Kozinski entries at slate.com. It made all the NPR reports regarding court decisions and summaries much more accessible, and while they are still political, I can view the process under a more humane light.

Anonymous (7/28/01)

A brilliant constitutionalist, should be on the U.S. Supreme Court.

Anonymous (10/31/01)

Judges do not come any smarter or intellectually honest than Alex Kozinski. He may hold some views strongly, but his opinions show that he deals with the law and facts fairly and rather scrupulously. If he dislikes the result or the law, he will reach the result required and then criticize the law for being what it is. Plus, his opinions are always great reads.

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