David S. Tatel is a renowned American judge who has served on the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit since 1994. Born in 1942, Tatel earned his Bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan and later received his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from the University of Chicago Law School. After completing his law degree, Tatel began his career as a law clerk for Judge Harold Leventhal of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
Early Career and Notable Cases
Tatel’s early career was marked by his work as a staff attorney for the National Labor Relations Board and later as the Director of the Office of Civil Rights at the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. In 1980, he joined the law firm of Sidley & Austin, where he practiced until his appointment to the D.C. Circuit in 1994. As a judge, Tatel has heard numerous high-profile cases, including Hamdan v. Rumsfeld, which challenged the military commissions established by the Bush administration to try detainees at Guantanamo Bay. In a significant ruling, Tatel held that the commissions were unlawful, as they did not comply with the Uniform Code of Military Justice and the Geneva Conventions.
Major Decisions and Impact
One of Tatel’s most notable decisions was in the case of United States v. Microsoft, where he ruled that Microsoft had engaged in anticompetitive practices, finding the company in violation of the Sherman Act. The decision was later upheld by the Supreme Court. Tatel has also been a strong advocate for the rights of individuals with disabilities, issuing a significant ruling in Board of Education v. Rowley, which clarified the obligations of schools under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The decision has had a lasting impact on special education law and policy.
| Case | Year | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Hamdan v. Rumsfeld | 2006 | Military commissions unlawful |
| United States v. Microsoft | 2001 | Microsoft engaged in anticompetitive practices |
| Board of Education v. Rowley | 1982 | Schools must provide free and appropriate public education under IDEA |
Legacy and Impact on the Judiciary
Throughout his career, Tatel has been recognized for his dedication to public service and his contributions to the development of American law. He has received numerous awards, including the Edward J. Devitt Distinguished Service to Justice Award and the American Bar Association’s Thurgood Marshall Award. As a judge on the D.C. Circuit, Tatel has played a significant role in shaping the court’s decisions on a wide range of issues, from administrative law to constitutional law. His opinions have been widely cited and have had a lasting impact on the development of American jurisprudence.
Teaching and Scholarship
In addition to his work on the bench, Tatel has been an active teacher and scholar. He has taught at several law schools, including Harvard Law School and the University of Michigan Law School, and has published numerous articles on topics related to administrative law, constitutional law, and judicial decision-making. Tatel’s scholarship has been widely praised for its insight and clarity, and has helped to inform the development of American law and policy.
As a highly respected judge and scholar, David S. Tatel continues to play an important role in shaping the American judiciary and informing the development of American law. His dedication to public service, his commitment to upholding the rule of law, and his contributions to the development of American jurisprudence make him a truly distinguished figure in the world of law.
What is Judge Tatel’s most notable decision?
+One of Judge Tatel’s most notable decisions was in the case of Hamdan v. Rumsfeld, where he ruled that the military commissions established by the Bush administration to try detainees at Guantanamo Bay were unlawful.
What is the significance of Judge Tatel’s decision in United States v. Microsoft?
+Judge Tatel’s decision in United States v. Microsoft held that Microsoft had engaged in anticompetitive practices, finding the company in violation of the Sherman Act. The decision was later upheld by the Supreme Court and has had a lasting impact on antitrust law and policy.
What awards has Judge Tatel received for his service?
+Judge Tatel has received numerous awards, including the Edward J. Devitt Distinguished Service to Justice Award and the American Bar Association’s Thurgood Marshall Award, in recognition of his dedication to public service and his contributions to the development of American law.
