Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

Collection is open to research.

Use Restrictions

There are no restrictions.

Preferred Citation

Walter E. Hoffman Papers, Ms #015, Lewis F. Powell, Jr. Archives, School of Law, Washington and Lee University.

Acquisition Information

Gift of Walter E. Hoffman, May 16, 1995; received April 8, 2004.

Biographical/Historical Information

Walter Edward Hoffman was born in Jersey City, New Jersy and graduated in economics from the University of Pennsylvania in 1928. He received a law degree from Washington and Lee University in 1931 and went into private practice in Norfolk, Virgnia. He rose to leadership in the Virginia Republican Party and headed the state Republican convention in 1952. In 1954 President Dwight D. Eisenhower appointed him to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of irginia, sitting in Norfolk. Hightlights of Judge Hoffman's more than 40 years on the bench include the issuing of rulings to implement the Supreme Court mandate ending racial segregation; accepting Vice President Spiro T. Agnew's nolo contendere plea; and handling the corruption trial of District Court Judge Harry E. Claiborne. In recognition of his service, the Norfolk courthouse bears his name. Hoffman died on November 21, 1996.

Scope and Content

The Walter E. Hoffman papers suggest the breadth of his judicial service, with records from 8 U.S. Circuit courts and the U.S. Supreme Court in addition to those from the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia. His service in professional associations, most particularly the Judicial Conference of the United States is well documented. Unfortunately, there is a dirth of biographical information and many of his most memorable trials are not represented in the collection.

Arrangement

The papers are arranged by series with the professional association records and judicial case files making up almost 90% of the extent of the papers.