James Levin Latchum

Who was James Levin Latchum?

James Levin Latchum was a United States federal judge.

Born in Milford, Delaware, Latchum received an A.B. from Princeton University in 1940, and was a Captain in the United States Army following World War II from 1940 to 1946. He received an LL.B. from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1946. He was a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army Reserve during World War II, from 1946 to 1961. He was in private practice in Wilmington, Delaware from 1946 to 1968. He was an Attorney, Delaware State Highway Department from 1949 to 1951. He was an assistant U.S. Attorney of the District of Delaware from 1951 to 1953. He was an Attorney, Delaware Interstate Highway Division from 1955 to 1963. He was an Attorney, Delaware River and Bay Authority from 1963 to 1968.

Latchum was a federal judge on the United States District Court for the District of Delaware. Latchum was nominated by President Lyndon B. Johnson on July 17, 1968, to a seat vacated by Caleb R. Layton, III. He was confirmed by the United States Senate on August 2, 1968, and received his commission on August 3, 1968. He served as chief judge from 1973-1983. He assumed senior status on December 23, 1983.