Blind Lawyer Nominated As Judge

A blind New York attorney will again be recommended for a federal judgeship in the Southern District of New York, U.S. Sen. Alfonse D’Amato said Monday.

Richard Conway Casey, 64, would be the first blind person to serve on a federal trial court.

U.S. Supreme Court Justice John M. Harlan became blind while serving from 1955 to 1971, according to the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.

“This is an historic step. Richard Casey’s experience, character and education make him eminently qualified to serve in this important judicial role,” D’Amato, R-N.Y., said in a statement.

Casey was nominated by D’Amato in 1992, but he was one of several potential judges whose appointments lapsed that year during a dispute in the Senate over judgeships.

However, the Senate did appoint the first female Latina federal judge in 1992, Sonia Sotomayor, who was recommended by Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan, D-N.Y.

D’Amato said Casey had shown “great personal strength” by succeeding in the face of his disability.