More judges under investigation

FEDERAL JUDGES UNDER REVIEW

Public disciplinary action of federal judges is rare, and the investigations are secret. Still, five recent investigations have been made public in 2008:

• U.S. District Judge Samuel B. Kent , Houston
Pleaded not guilty to federal sex crimes charges; previously reprimanded for judicial misconduct in 2007. Nominated by President George H.W. Bush in 1990.

• U.S. District Judge Thomas Porteous Jr. , New Orleans
Recommended to be considered for impeachment for allegations of perjury and of improperly accepting gifts and money. Recently reprimanded and suspended from the bench for two years. Nominated by President Clinton in 1994.

• Chief U.S. District Judge Edward W. Nottingham , Denver
A judicial council continues to investigate misconduct allegations, including the judge's admitted use of a topless club and escort service. Nominated by Bush in 1989.

• U.S. District Judge Manuel Real , Los Angeles
Reprimanded for improperly communicating with a litigant; remains under review for complaints about an apparent "pattern and practice" of failing to provide reasons for legal decisions. Nominated by President Johnson in 1966.

• Chief Judge Alex Kozinski , 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in California. Requested an investigation by another circuit after admitting in June that his personal Web site contained graphic sexual photos and videos. Nominated by President Reagan in 1985.

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