Supreme Court declines to hear challenge from suspended 98-year-old judge

The Supreme Court declined to hear a challenge from 98-year-old U.S. Circuit Judge Pauline Newman regarding her suspension from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Newman has been suspended for over three years after refusing to comply with an investigation into her fitness to serve, which included a request for neuropsychological tests that she rejected. Newman has held her position since 1984, nominated by President Ronald Reagan. Her lawsuit to contest the suspension was previously dismissed by lower courts, which noted concerns about due process but stated the case could not be revived under existing precedent. The New Civil Liberties Alliance, which represents Newman, indicated it would continue to explore other legal options. NCLA President Mark Chenoweth criticized the Supreme Court's decision, stating it prevents Newman’s complaints from being heard by an Article III court. The article also briefly mentions the scrutiny surrounding the ages of President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, linking it to the broader context of age and fitness in leadership roles.