Albert Vickers Bryan Jr.

Albert Vickers Bryan Jr. (November 8, 1926 – August 27, 2019) was a United States District Judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.

Albert Vickers Bryan Jr.
Senior Judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia
In office December 1, 1991 – August 27, 2019
Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia
In office 1985–1991
Preceded by	John Ashton MacKenzie
Succeeded by	James C. Cacheris
Judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia
In office July 29, 1971 – December 1, 1991
Appointed by	Richard Nixon
Preceded by	Seat established by 84 Stat. 294
Succeeded by	Leonie Brinkema
Personal details
Born	November 8, 1926 Alexandria, Virginia, U.S.
Died	August 27, 2019 (aged 92) Alexandria, Virginia, U.S.
Education	University of Virginia School of Law (LL.B.)

Education and career

Born in Alexandria, Virginia, Bryan's father Albert Vickers Bryan, was also a federal judge. The Albert V. Bryan United States Courthouse, in Alexandria, is named for his father.[1] Bryan served in the United States Marine Corps reserve from 1944 to 1946, and then received a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1950. He was in private practice of law in Alexandria from 1950 to 1962. He was a judge of the 16th Judicial Circuit of Virginia from 1962 to 1971.[2]

Federal judicial service

Bryan was nominated by President Richard Nixon on July 19, 1971, to a new seat on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia created by 84 Stat. 294. He was confirmed by the United States Senate on July 29, 1971, and received his commission the same day. He served as Chief Judge from 1985 until December 1, 1991, when he assumed senior status. [2] His service terminated on August 27, 2019, due to his death of pneumonia in Alexandria.[3]

Rocket docket

While serving there, Bryan decided that justice was being dispensed too slowly for his liking, and he ran a rocket docket as a result.[4]

Notable cases

• United States v. LaRouche (1988)
• Harvey v. Horan (2001)

References

1. (USMS), U.S. Marshals Service. "U.S. Marshals Service". www.usmarshals.gov.
2. Albert Vickers Bryan Jr. at the Biographical Directory of Federal Judges, a public domain publication of the Federal Judicial Center.
3. "Albert V. Bryan Jr., federal judge who presided over 'rocket docket,' dies at 92". Washington Post.
4. A Double Dose of Molasses in the Rocket Docket, Washington Post, October 3, 2004; Page C04

Sources

• Albert Vickers Bryan Jr. at the Biographical Directory of Federal Judges, a public domain publication of the Federal Judicial Center.
• Political Graveyard