Background
HEARTFIELD, THAD was born on September 10, 1940 in Portuguese Arthur, Texas, United States.
HEARTFIELD, THAD was born on September 10, 1940 in Portuguese Arthur, Texas, United States.
Saint Mary"s University (Juris Doctor, 1965). Phi Delta Phi. City Attorney, Beaumont, Texas, 1969-1973. Member, Board of Directors, Lower Neches Valley Authority, 1984-1989.
He was nominated by President Bill Clinton on January 11, 1995, confirmed by the United States. Senate on March 17, 1995 and received his commission on March 17, 1995. He served as chief judge from 2003 through 2008. He assumed senior status on January 1, 2010.
In 2009, Judge Heartfield presided over Doe v.
Silsbee Independent School District. The plaintiff ("High School") was a cheerleader who was ordered by her high school to cheer for a football and basketball player named Rakheem Bolton, who she had accused of raping her and who had pleaded guilty to assaulting her.
High School refused and was kicked off the team She sued, claiming a violation of her First Amendment right to free speech.
Judge Heartfield granted the school district"s motion to dismiss.
Judge Heartfield"s decision was affirmed by Judges Edith Brown Clement, Emilio M. Garza, and Priscilla Owen of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. High School was ordered to pay the school $45,000 in legal fees for filing a "frivolous" lawsuit.
Jefferson County Junior (President, 1972 1973) and Jefferson County Bar Associations. State Bar of Texas; Texas Trial Lawyers Association. Fellow, Texas Bar Foundation.