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Godbey, David C.
Born 1957 in Temple, TX
Federal Judicial Service:
Judge, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas
Nominated by George W. Bush on January 23, 2002, to a seat vacated by Robert B. Maloney. Confirmed by the Senate on August 1, 2002, and received commission on August 2, 2002. Served as chief judge, 2022-2025. Assumed senior status on September 18, 2025.
Education:
Southern Methodist University, B.S., B.S.E.E., 1978
Harvard Law School, J.D., 1982
Professional Career:
Federal Judicial Service:
Judge, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas
Nominated by George W. Bush on January 23, 2002, to a seat vacated by Robert B. Maloney. Confirmed by the Senate on August 1, 2002, and received commission on August 2, 2002. Served as chief judge, 2022-2025. Assumed senior status on September 18, 2025.
Education:
Southern Methodist University, B.S., B.S.E.E., 1978
Harvard Law School, J.D., 1982
Professional Career:
Law clerk, Hon. Irving L. Goldberg, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, 1982-1983
Private practice, Dallas, Texas, 1983-1994
Judge, Dallas County [Texas] One Hundred and Sixtieth District Court, 1994-2002
