Federal Judge

authoritative procedural dependable

Leo orders a federal judge to the White House immediately during the senior staff's charged debate over invoking Section Three of the 25th Amendment. This summons ensures judicial oversight for President Bartlet's temporary transfer of power amid his multiple sclerosis relapse. The judge fills a critical procedural role, bridging executive action with constitutional safeguards as Leo freezes nonessential operations and rallies the team through partisan fears and personal convictions.

3 appearances

Also known as: A Federal Judge

Federal Judge's Journey

A timeline through the narrative

3 moments

S4E23 · Twenty-Five

Leo Shrinks the Oval: Quietly Initiating the 25th

Not emotionally visible — represented as a stabilizing, legal authority called into action.

Summoned by Leo (via Charlie) as an immediate procedural safeguard; not yet present on-screen but invoked as a necessary legal witness to the transfer and documentation of the 25th invocation.

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S4E23 · Twenty-Five

Invoking Twenty-Five — Staff Divides as Leo Prepares Transfer

Not present—represented as a calm procedural resource whose arrival will confer legal rigor.

Mentioned by Leo as someone who must be brought to the White House immediately to oversee procedural/legal aspects of the transfer; not yet present in the scene.

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S4E23 · Twenty-Five

Invoking Twenty-Five: Walken Steps In

Not present; represented as a stabilizing legal presence to be called to action.

Mentioned by Leo as someone to be summoned immediately to the White House to provide judicial oversight and a legal imprimatur for the invocation of Section Three; not physically present …

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