Larry Burns

The U.S. Federal Court System: PLNU was here

The Honorable Larry Alan Burns (’76)

A federal judge holds a lifetime appointment and is responsible for making decisions that affect not just individuals but the entire nation. Intelligence and integrity are must-have attributes for those who sit on the federal bench. 

Federal courts have civil jurisdiction over issues involving interstate commerce, maritime cases, employment and tax matters, and patent and copyright disputes. Federal criminal cases often involve crimes that affect our entire country, such as drug smuggling, illegal immigration, public corruption, terrorism, and large-scale commercial fraud.

And PLNU is there.

The Honorable Larry Alan Burns (’76) was appointed to his current position as a United States District Judge by President George W. Bush in May 2003, and was confirmed by the United States Senate, 91-0, in September of the same year. 

Judge Burns has presided in many high profile cases, including the bribery and public corruption prosecution of former Congressman Randy “Duke” Cunningham, the prosecution of the leaders of the notorious Arellano-Felix Mexican drug cartel, and most recently the mass shooting case in Tucson, Arizona, that killed 6 people and wounded 13 others, including Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. 

Burns appreciates the education he received at PLNU — especially how he benefitted from his majors in English and speech and his experience on the debate team.

“New trial lawyers are often insecure about their trade. While law school teaches students the general principles of law, many young lawyers have stage fright when they have to stand in front of a jury for the first time. I didn’t — owing mostly, I think, to my speech and debate training at PLNU. In so many ways, my time at PLNU formed the cornerstone for the later successes I enjoyed in life. Here, on this campus, I learned to analyze problems objectively, to write succinctly, and to speak persuasively — all essential skills in the practice of law. Equally important, I was inspired by dedicated faculty who demonstrated a deep personal interest in me and in my future, and who inspired me to achieve the goals I had set for myself.” 

Learn more about PLNU’s Department of Literature, Journalism & Modern Languages, Speech and Debate Team, or pre-law program.