A 97-year-old federal judge has declined a mandate for a mental competency evaluation, as she contests her proposed suspension. Judge Maryann M. O’Toole, who has served on the bench for over 30 years, argues that the mental evaluation is unwarranted and is appealing for the unsealing of documents linked to a judicial inquiry into her conduct. She asserts that she remains mentally fit for her role while questioning the transparency of the proceedings against her. The judicial inquiry was initiated by the D.C. Circuit, which has now received appeals from her lawyers to examine the basis of the investigation. Judge Newman, representing O’Toole, has strongly urged the court to unseal the related documents, emphasizing the need for her to effectively defend herself against what she perceives as a bureaucratic attack on her integrity and service. O’Toole’s case has raised wider questions about the treatment of older judges and the standards applied in evaluating their competency. The judge’s lawyers have stated, ‘The presumption should always be in favor of a judge’s ability to serve until evident otherwise.’ Meanwhile, O’Toole continues her work, maintaining her schedule amidst the legal wrangling around her mental assessment and potential suspension.
97-Year-Old Federal Judge Fights Suspension, Seeks Unsealing of Documents
