Note that the two rule changes I added mention of had different effects. All chief judges under the 1959 rule continued in office after the 1982 date until age 70 or they decided to step down, while the 1959 rule immediately removed the sitting chief judges of seven circuits. (Sitting judges of two-judge District Courts were exempted but all chief judges of larger District Courts were also affected). Prior to its taking effect, one Ninth Circuit judge and two Sixth Circuit judges who would have been bypassed for Chief Judge got six-month terms when seniors stepped aside. The 1982 rule with its maximum age and maximum term is intended to regularize transitions, for example in 1981 Carl McGowan was Chief Judge for the five months between J. Skelly Wright's 70th birthday and his own. Now he would be skipped for a judge who would serve at least five years. Death and resignation/retirement can still affect terms and succession, however!--Louis E./le@put.com/12.144.5.2 19:46, 2 October 2005 (UTC)