Quick Facts
Biography
John C. Shabaz (June 25, 1931 - August 31, 2012) was a United States federal judge for the United States District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin and legislator.
Background
Shabaz was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He attended the University of Wisconsin (now University of Wisconsin–Madison) as an undergraduate. He received an LL.B. from Marquette University Law School in 1957. He served in the United States Army from 1954 to 1956. He was in private practice in West Allis, Wisconsin from 1957 to 1981.
Legislative career
From 1964 to 1981, Shabaz served as a Republican state representative in the Wisconsin State Assembly, from the 83rd Assembly District, representing the Waukesha and New Berlin areas. He was the minority leader from 1973 to 1979 and served as Assistant Majority Leader in 1969.
United States Federal District Court judge
On November 4, 1981, Shabaz was nominated by President Ronald Reagan to a seat on the United States District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin vacated by James Edward Doyle. He was confirmed by the United States Senate on December 9, 1981, and received his commission on December 10, 1981. He served as chief judge from 1996 to 2001.
In 2009, Shabaz assumed senior judge status. He died on August 31, 2012.
