David R. Hansen

David Rasmussen Hansen (born March 16, 1938) is an American federal judge, and former chief judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.

Early life, education, and career

Born in Exira, Iowa, Hansen received a Bachelor of Arts from Northwest Missouri State University, in 1960 and a J.D. from George Washington University Law School, in 1963. He was in private practice in Atlantic, Iowa, from 1963 to 1964. He was in the United States Army JAG Corps, from 1964 to 1968. He was in private practice in Iowa Falls, Iowa, from 1968 to 1976.

Judicial career

He was a judge on the police court, Iowa Falls, from 1969 to 1973, and was a partner in Win-Gin Farms, in Iowa Falls, Iowa, from 1971 to the present. He was chairman, Hardin county Republican central committee, from 1975 to 1976. He was a judge on the 2nd judicial district, Iowa district court, from 1976 to 1986.

Hansen was a federal judge on the United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa. He was nominated by President Ronald Reagan, on February 3, 1986, to a seat vacated by Edward J. McManus. He was confirmed by the United States Senate, on March 3, 1986 and received his commission on March 4, 1986. Hansen served in that capacity until November 18, 1991, when he was elevated to the 8th Circuit.

Nomination to the Eighth Circuit

Hansen is a federal judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. He was nominated by President George H. W. Bush, on July 30, 1991, to a new seat created by 104 Stat. 5089. He was confirmed by the United States Senate, on November 15, 1991, and received his commission on November 18, 1991. He served as chief judge, from 2002-2003. He assumed senior status, on April 1, 2003.