Gary Lancaster
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Gary Lancaster is an Article III federal judge for the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. He joined the court in 1993 after being nominated by President Bill Clinton.
Early life and education
A native Pennsylvanian, Lancaster graduated from Slippery Rock State College with his Bachelor's Degree in 1971 and later graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law with his Juris Doctorate Degree in 1974.
Legal career
After law school, Lancaster was Regional counsel for the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission from 1974 to 1976 before becoming Assistant district attorney for Allegheny County from 1976 to 1978. From, 1978 to 1987, Lancaster served as a Private practice attorney licensed in the State of Pennsylvania.
Federal judicial career
Lancaster began his Federal Judicial Career in 1987 as Lancaster was appointed to a full eight term as a federal magistrate judge for the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. Lancaster served in that role until he was elevated in the ranks of the Federal Judiciary in 1993.
On the recommendation of Pennsylvania U.S. Senator Harris Wofford, Lancaster was nominated by President Bill Clinton on October 25, 1993 to a seat vacated by Timothy Lewis as Lewis was nominated to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals[1]. Lancaster was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on November 20, 1993 on a senate vote and received commission on November 24, 1993.
Notable cases
G-20 protester rights
Judge Lancaster is presiding in a lawsuit over the rights of protesters who want to have planned demonstrations during the 2009 G-20 Summit held in Pittsburgh. The American Civil Liberties Union is suing the City of Pittsburgh for unfairly denying demonstration permits. Government attorneys defend their decision, citing concerns that a protest planned by the Thomas Merton Center on a bridge could cause safety concerns. [2].
On September 17, 2009, Judge Lancaster ruled in favor of groups who sought protest permits during the G-20 Summit by allowing them to set up at Point State Park. However, the judge ruled that it is up to the City of Pittsburgh to determine if they will deny or allow a permit to the Thomas Merton Center. [3].
External links
References
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Federal judges of the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania |
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| Active judges |
Chief judge: Ambrose • Cercone • Conti • Fischer • Gibson • Lancaster • McLaughlin • McVerry • Schwab • Vacancy |
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The Pennsylvania Project on Judgepedia
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