David Hamilton

David Hamilton is a federal U.S. District Judge from Indiana. On March 17, 2009, the White House announced that President Barack Obama would nominate Hamilton for the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana. The federal appellate court is based in Chicago.Chicago Sun-times: Obama Picks Moderate Indiana Judge for Chicago Appeals Court (March 17, 2009)

Hamilton served as counsel to Evan Bayh when he was the governor of Indiana.Chicago Sun-times: Obama Picks Moderate Indiana Judge for Chicago Appeals Court (March 17, 2009)

In 2005, Judge Hamilton drew attention for ruling that Indiana Legislature could not begin session with Christian prayers. Hamilton's ruling was contested and was later dismissed in an appeal. The suit was originally brought forth by the ACLU but the panel on the 7th Circuit court said no one had been harmed by the prayers.The New York Times: Moderate Is Said to Be Pick for Court (March 17, 2009)

Judge Hamilton struck down an amendment to Illinois law that would require registered sex offenders to notify authorities of their e-mail address and user names. In addition, the amendment would have allowed police to monitor their use of the Internet and search their personal computers at any time. Hamilton said, "the ability of the individual to retreat into his home and therefore to be free from unreasonable intrusion by the government stands at the very core."The New York Times: Moderate Is Said to Be Pick for Court (March 17, 2009)