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Richard Arnold

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description Richard Arnold Overview

Richard S. Arnold (1936-2004) was an American jurist who served as a judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit from 1992 until his death in 2004. Prior to his appointment to the Eighth Circuit, Arnold served as Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas. He was widely respected for his legal scholarship and judicial temperament, and was considered a potential Supreme Court nominee during the Clinton administration.

Arnold was known for his work on judicial ethics and administration, serving as chair of the Judicial Conference Committee on Judicial Conduct and Disability.

help Richard Arnold FAQ

Which federal appeals court did Richard S. Arnold serve on?

Richard S. Arnold served on the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. He joined the federal appellate bench in 1980 after previously serving as a district judge.

When was Richard Arnold chief judge of the Eighth Circuit?

Arnold served as chief judge from 1992 to 1998. He remained on the court afterward and continued hearing cases until his death in 2004.

Why was Richard Arnold discussed as a possible Supreme Court nominee?

Arnold was widely respected for his legal writing, moderation, and appellate work. His name surfaced in discussions of potential Supreme Court appointments, particularly during the Clinton administration, but he was never nominated.

Was Richard S. Arnold related to another federal judge?

Yes. His younger brother, Morris Sheppard Arnold, also became a judge on the Eighth Circuit, making them an unusual pair of siblings on the same federal appellate court.