united-states us-constitution
Can a single person hold multiple judicial commissions?
<p>Suppose that the President of the United States nominated a candidate to two different judicial positions (say a district court judge as well as a circuit court judge) and also the Senate confirmed that person for both positions. Could the President then award a commission for both positions at the same time? Or is there a principle that prevents holding multiple offices in the Judicial branch (it is clear that a person can hold an office in the Executive and Judicial branch, see John Marshall who served as Secretary of State and Chief Justice.</p>

<p>Statutes provide that federal judgeships are a full time job. It isn't expressly constitutionally prohibited, however.</p>
<p>Indeed, there have been times in U.S. history when higher court judges served in lower federal courts &quot;riding circuit&quot; to meet personnel needs. This is still done by senior judges and sometimes in other circumstances, on a temporary, often case by case basis. Similarly, for example, all judges on the FISA Court are also federal court judges with other primary posts. This doesn't require a separate Presidential appointment.</p>
<p>In lower courts, for example, municipal courts, where the judgeship is a part-time position, it isn't uncommon for one person to be a judge in multiple courts.</p>
