In Memorium: Chief Judge Joseph Baum

By Brian C. Murphy
Vice President of the District of Columbia Circuit
Editor, The FORUM

We note with a mixture of sadness, respect and fond memory the passing of our esteemed colleague, Chief Judge Joseph Baum, Chief Judge of the U.S. Coast Guard Court of Criminal Appeals on April 25, 2009.

Chief Judge Baum served in this role from 1985-2007, participating in the adjudication  of more than 250 published cases [of which he authored the majority opinion in some 65%]. A notable example was Solario v. United States, which was appealed to the Supreme Court on direct review, establishing the principle that court-martial jurisdiction is based on the military status of the accused, and not on the service connection of the offense.

Prior to his judicial service, Chief Judge Baum served for some 30 years with the US. Navy retiring as Captain.

Among his many professional accomplishments, Chief Judge Baum was selected by representatives of the District of Columbia Chapter to receive he 2006 Justice Tom C. Clark Award for Outstanding Federal Government Service. A member of the FBA since 1971, Chief Judge Baum chaired the FBA Judiciary Division and the Military Justice Committee.

He will be missed by many.