David R. Thompson


David R. Thompson was a United States Circuit Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

Education and career

Born in San Diego, California, Thompson received a Bachelor of Science degree in business from University of Southern California in 1952. He received a Bachelor of Laws from USC Gould School of Law in 1955. He was in the United States Navy from 1955 to 1957. He was in private practice of law in San Diego from 1957 to 1985.

Federal judicial service

On October 7, 1985, Thompson was nominated by President Ronald Reagan to a new seat on the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit created by 98 Stat. 333. He was confirmed by the United States Senate on December 16, 1985, and received commission on December 17, 1985. He assumed senior status on December 31, 1998, serving in that status until his death.

Death

Thompson died on February 19, 2011, after a sudden illness. Thompson had traveled to San Francisco to hear oral arguments in several cases. He died at the city's St. Mary's Medical Center.