Legal Beat

President Obama has nominated Virginia Supreme Court Justice Barbara Milano Keenan for a seat on the 4th Circuit appeals court.

"Justice Keenan has a long and distinguished record of service on the bench," Obama said. "She was the first female judge elected in the state of Virginia and the only woman appointed to the Virginia Court of Appeals upon its creation. Her commitment to fairness and judicial integrity has been unwavering throughout her career, and I am honored to nominate her today to serve on the United States Court of Appeals."

There are five vacancies on the 15-member 4th Circuit, which has a reputation for being the most conservative appellate bench in the country. Obama has nominated one other 4th Circuit candidate, Andre M. Davis. The full Senate has not yet taken up Davis' nomination.