Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar and Collin Peterson’s legislation to rename the federal courthouse in Fergus Falls after Judge Edward J. Devitt, the former chief judge of Minnesota’s federal district court, passed the Senate. The bill now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law. Formally confirmed in 1955, Devitt served as a federal judge for thirty seven years until his death at the age of 80, including twenty two years as chief judge.

“In his long service to the state of Minnesota, Judge Devitt exemplified the intelligence and integrity we expect of those who sit on the bench,” Klobuchar said. “Having grown up in East Grand Forks and being especially fond of the Red River valley, it is entirely appropriate that the courthouse in which he loved to preside will bear his name.”

"Judge Devitt was a distinguished jurist and it's fitting to honor him by naming the Fergus Falls building after him," Peterson said. "Judge Devitt was popular among his colleagues, was a friend and role model to countless judges, and I'm pleased to help honor someone so deserving of this recognition."

Beginning in 1983, the annual Edward J. Devitt Distinguished Service Award has been presented by the America Judicature Society in recognition of “an exemplary career and has made significant contributions to the administration of justice, the advancement of the rule of the law and the improvement of society as a whole”.

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