New federal judge takes oath of office in Salt Lake City

SALT LAKE CITY — A new federal judge took the oath of office Tuesday.

David Nuffer became the 16th U.S. District Court judge for Utah at a swearing-in ceremony at the Frank E. Moss Courthouse.

President Barack Obama nominated Nuffer in June to fill a vacancy created in November 2009 when Judge Dale A. Kimball took senior status. The Senate confirmed Nuffer in March.

Nuffer had been serving as a U.S. magistrate judge since 1995, handling mostly misdemeanor crimes. He practiced law in St. George for 25 years.

His appointment brings the number of full-time federal judges in Utah to four, one short of a full complement. Obama appointed Salt Lake lawyer Robert J. Shelby last November to fill the other vacancy. His confirmation is pending.

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