Interview with Joseph Martin Hood, January 29, 2019
Project: John G. Heyburn II Initiative for Excellence in the Federal Judiciary Oral History Project
Interview Summary
Joseph M. Hood is a Senior Judge on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky.In this oral history, Judge Hood discusses his experiences as district judge on the Eastern District Court. He describes moving between duty stations, his perspective on criminal sentencing, and notable cases he has presided over—particularly cases arising out of Operation Boptrot, the federal investigation of corruption among Kentucky legislators. Hood also shares how he manages his courtroom, what he looks for in law clerks, and life as a senior judge. The oral history concludes with his thoughts on Judge John G. Heyburn II.
Born in Ashland in 1942, Judge Hood received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Kentucky in 1965 and his law degree from UK College of Law in 1972. Following law school, he clerked for District Court Judge Hermansdorfer. When a new magistrate position opened on the Court, the federal judges on the bench selected him to fill the seat. He served in the role until 1990, when President George H. W. Bush nominated him to serve as a judge for the Eastern District Court, to a seat vacated by Judge Scott Reed. The Senate confirmed his nomination on April 27, 1990. Hood served as chief judge from 2005 to 2007, until he assumed senior status on October 14, 2007.
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Blandford, Donald J. Capital punishment Collins, Martha Layne Corruption District courts--United States—Administration Heyburn, John G. (John Gilpin), 1948-2015 Judges--United States Jury Law clerks Magistrate Mandatory sentences Sentences (Criminal procedure)--United States United States. District Court (Kentucky : Eastern District)Interview Rights
All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.Interview Usage
Interviews may only be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.Restriction
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All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.
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Hood, Joseph Martin Interview by Anu Kasarabada. 29 Jan. 2019. Lexington, KY: Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.
Hood, J.M. (2019, January 29). Interview by A. Kasarabada. John G. Heyburn II Initiative for Excellence in the Federal Judiciary Oral History Project. Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries, Lexington.
Hood, Joseph Martin, interview by Anu Kasarabada. January 29, 2019, John G. Heyburn II Initiative for Excellence in the Federal Judiciary Oral History Project, Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.
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Persistent Link for this Record: https://kentuckyoralhistory.org/ark:/16417/xt71ml5hp7tj3