President Joe Biden has nominated Adeel Mangi, a distinguished attorney, to the Philadelphia-based 3rd US Circuit Court of Appeals. If confirmed, Mangi would be the first Pakistan-born, Muslim-American judge appointed to a federal appeals court. This nomination is significant not only for its groundbreaking nature but also within the broader context of the Biden administration’s commitment to diversifying the federal judiciary. The United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, covering New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and the Virgin Islands, stands to witness a noteworthy addition to its bench with Mangi’s potential confirmation.
Trailblazer’s Background
Adeel Mangi, currently practising law in New Jersey, embarked on his legal career over two decades ago at Patterson Belknap. His journey culminated in becoming a partner in 2010. Notably, Mangi has been a vocal advocate for the Muslim community in New Jersey, playing a pivotal role in representing their case to establish mosques in Bernards Township and Bayonne. His nomination underscores the Biden administration’s push for greater representation and inclusivity within the federal judiciary.
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Aligning with Diversity Initiatives
President Biden’s nomination of Mangi is part of a broader effort to diversify the federal judiciary. The administration aims to address historical underrepresentation and promote diversity within the legal system. Senator Bob Menendez of New Jersey has voiced strong support for Mangi’s nomination, highlighting its alignment with the administration’s commitment to inclusivity.
The Nominees
President Joe Biden’s commitment to reshaping the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey has resulted in the successful nomination and Senate confirmation of eight judges. Among them are Judges Julien X. Neals, Zahid Quraishi, Christine O’Hearn, Karen Williams, Georgette Castner, Evelyn Padin, Michael Fabiarz, and Robert Kirsch. In a recent move, President Biden nominated Jamel Semper and Edward Kiel to further strengthen the judicial bench in New Jersey. Notably, Senator Cory Booker has been a vocal supporter of these nominations, underlining the administration’s dedication to advancing a diverse and qualified judiciary for the District of New Jersey.
Navigating a Tumultuous Political Landscape
Adeel Mangi’s nomination comes at a critical moment, amid intense scrutiny of the Biden administration’s Middle East policy, particularly in the aftermath of Israel’s attack on Gaza. Some Muslims have brought attention to the President’s declared support for Israel without actively pursuing a cease-fire.
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This nomination follows the confirmation of Zahid Quraishi as the first Muslim-American federal judge to the federal bench, who now serves on the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. Senator Cory Booker, who voted in support of Quraishi’s confirmation, also supported the nomination of the first female Muslim-American federal judge, Nusrat Choudhury.