Lewis F. Powell, Jr. Archives, School of Law, Washington and Lee University
Descriptive Summary
Lewis F. Powell, Jr. Archives, School of Law, Washington and Lee University
Walter E. Hoffman Papers
1954-1992
015
C. 100 cu. ft.
English
Administrative Information
Access Restrictions
Collection is open to research.
Use Restrictions
There are no restrictions.
Preferred Citation
Walter E. Hoffman Papers, Ms #015, Lewis F. Powell, Jr. Archives, School of Law, Washington and Lee University.
Acquisition Information
Gift of Walter E. Hoffman, May 16, 1995; received April 8, 2004.
Biographical/Historical Information
Walter Edward Hoffman was born in Jersey City, New Jersy and graduated in economics from the University of Pennsylvania in 1928. He received a law degree from Washington and Lee University in 1931 and went into
private practice in Norfolk, Virgnia. He rose to leadership in the Virginia Republican Party and headed the state Republican convention in 1952. In 1954 President Dwight D. Eisenhower appointed him to the United
States District Court for the Eastern District of irginia, sitting in Norfolk. Hightlights of Judge Hoffman's more than 40 years on the bench include the issuing of rulings to implement the Supreme Court mandate
ending racial segregation; accepting Vice President Spiro T. Agnew's nolo contendere plea; and handling the corruption trial of District Court Judge Harry E. Claiborne. In recognition of his service, the Norfolk
courthouse bears his name. Hoffman died on November 21, 1996.
Scope and Content
The Walter E. Hoffman papers suggest the breadth of his judicial service, with records from 8 U.S. Circuit courts and the U.S. Supreme Court in addition to those from the U.S. District Court, Eastern District
of Virginia. His service in professional associations, most particularly the Judicial Conference of the United States is well documented. Unfortunately, there is a dirth of biographical information and many of his
most memorable trials are not represented in the collection.
Arrangement
The papers are arranged by series with the professional association records and judicial case files making up almost 90% of the extent of the papers.
Contents List
Biographical Materials,
1961-1997
1
Correspondence,
1985-1990
1
Subject Files,
c.1980-1989
1-3
Speeches,
c. 1972-1985
5-6
Law School Lectures (William & Mary),
1978
7
Opinions
1954-1983
8-12
Professional Associations
1960-1994
Judicial Conference of the United States
General,
1965-1994
13-18
Committees
Advisory Committee on Criminal Rules,
1961-1992
19-27
Cameras in the Courtroom,
1983-1984
28-29
Continuing Education,
1966
30
Jury System,
1960
30
Habeas Corpus,
1970-1977
31-32
Probation,
1963-1967
33
Rules of Practice and Procedure,
1970-1987
34-36
Seminar for New Judges,
1963
37
Federal Judicial Center,
1973-1984
38-39
Metropolitan Chief Judges,
1976-1983
40-41
Jury Charges and Local Rules,
1979-1966
42-44
Case Files,
1964-1993
U.S. District Courts
Eastern District of Virginia,
1964-1991
General,
1964-1990
45-49
U.S. v. Morgan Joe,
1991-1992
50
Western District of Virginia,
1986
51
Southern District of West Virginia (Arch Moore),
c.1990
52-53
District of Massachusetts,
1974
54
District of South Carolina (U.S. v. Schaffer),
1981
55
Middle District of Florida (general),
1983-1989
56-57; 61
Mekdeci v. Merrill National Laboratories,
1981
58
Evans v. Orlando Central Park,
1985-1986
59
U.S. v. Murgo,
1983-1984
60
District of Utah,
1971-1973
62
U.S. Circuit Courts,
3rd Circuit,
1980-1984
63-64
4th Circuit,
1983-1990
65-70
7th Circuit,
1982
71
9th Circuit,
1982-1983
62-75
10th Circuit (Pacific Engineering v. Kerr-McGee),
1972-1973
76-78
11th Circuit,
1982-1991
79-94
D.C. Circuit,
1978-1979
95
Temporary Emergency Court of Appeals,
1983-1993
96-103
U.S. Supreme Court,
Georgia v. South Carolina,
1977-1988
104-105
U.S. v. Maine,
1977-1985
106-107