Barron Patterson McCune

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Barron Patterson McCune
Senior Judge of the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania
In office
April 1, 1985 – September 10, 2008
Judge of the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania
In office
December 18, 1970 – April 1, 1985
Appointed byRichard Nixon
Preceded bySeat established by 84 Stat. 294
Succeeded byWilliam Lloyd Standish
Personal details
Born
Barron Patterson McCune

(1915-02-19)February 19, 1915
West Newton, Pennsylvania
DiedSeptember 10, 2008(2008-09-10) (aged 93)
Washington, Pennsylvania
Political partyRepublican
EducationWashington & Jefferson College (A.B.)
University of Pennsylvania Law School (LL.B.)

Barron Patterson McCune (February 19, 1915 – September 10, 2008) was a United States district judge of the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania.

Education and career

McCune was born in

Court of Common Pleas in Washington County, Pennsylvania.[3]

Federal judicial service

McCune was nominated by President Richard Nixon on December 8, 1970, to the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, to a new seat authorized by 84 Stat. 294. He was confirmed by the United States Senate on December 16, 1970, and received his commission on December 18, 1970.[3] He assumed senior status on April 1, 1985, and took inactive senior status in 1995.[5] His service terminated on September 10, 2008, due to his death.[3]

Notable cases

During McCune's tenure on the court, he heard a wide variety of cases, including a case involving cocaine trafficking in

bone marrow transplants.[1] He held in favor of Allegheny County in a challenge by the American Civil Liberties Union to a display of the Nativity scene at the Allegheny County Courthouse.[6][nb 1]

Other service

McCune was active with his alma mater, Washington & Jefferson College, serving on the board of trustees for 40 years, including a time as president of the board from 1976 to 1983.[5] He was an avid fan of the Washington & Jefferson football team, attending every home game until the age of 92.[1]

Personal

McCune was married to his wife, Edna Markey, from 1943 until her death in 1999.[6] They had three sons.[5] He was a member of the Church of the Covenant.[1] He was known for being a large man, standing 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 215 pounds, and his judicial demeanor was marked by his "one-liners, an imposing demeanor, and a penchant for cigars."[6] He died on September 10, 2008, in Washington, Pennsylvania.[3]

He always reminded me of a country philosopher sitting on the front porch of a general store. He had such a quirky view on things.

— Senior U.S. District Judge
Maurice Cohill, [4]

Notes

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g "The Honorable Barron P. McCune". Education for a Lifetime. Washington & Jefferson College. Archived from the original on 2012-06-18. Retrieved 2012-05-15.
  2. ^ The Cross & Crescent. Vol. 22. Lambda Chi Alpha. 1935. p. 107.
  3. ^ a b c d e f "McCune, Barron Patterson". Biographical Directory of Federal Judges. Federal Judicial Center.
  4. ^ a b Cato, Jason (September 12, 2008). "Judge from West Newton remembered for 'quirky view' on law, life". Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.[dead link]
  5. ^ a b c d "Remembering the Honorable Barron P. McCune '35 (1915–2008)" (PDF). W&J Magazine. Washington & Jefferson College. Fall 2008.
  6. ^ a b c d Ward, Paula Reed (September 12, 2008). "Obituary: Barron Patterson McCune / Federal judge for 24 years earned reputation for fairness". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Sources

Legal offices
Preceded by
Seat established by 84 Stat. 294
Judge of the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania
1970–1985
Succeeded by