Hon. James Selna

James Selna is a federal judge on senior status on the United States District Court for the Central District of California. He joined the Court in 2003 after being nominated by President George W. Bush (R). Selna assumed senior status on March 3, 2020.

Born in San Jose, California, Selna graduated from Stanford University with his bachelor’s degree in 1967. Selna served as a Captain in the United States Army Reserve from 1967 to 1968 before receiving a Juris Doctor degree from Stanford Law School in 1970.

Selna was a private practice attorney in California from 1970 to 1998 before serving as judge in the California Superior Court of Orange County until 2003.

Central District of California
Selna was nominated to the United States District Court for the Central District of California by President George W. Bush on January 29, 2003, to a seat vacated by Spencer Letts. Selna was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on March 27, 2003, and received commission on March 27, 2003. Selna assumed senior status on March 3, 2020.

Toyota lawsuits (2010-2012)
See also: United States District Court for the Central District of California (In re: Toyota Motor Corp. Unintended Acceleration Marketing, Sales Practices, and Products Liability Litigation, 8:10-ml-02151-JVS-FMO)
Judge Selna was chosen on April 9, 2010, to preside over 200 lawsuits involving the car maker Toyota. A group of 26 attorneys sued Toyota for negligence after the company was forced to recall many vehicles due to sudden acceleration problems.

In December 2012, a settlement between Toyota and the claimants was announced. While the exact amount is not known, Toyota is said to have paid $1.2 to $1.4 billion directly to car owners and in order to install new brake systems into millions of cars.

Green cards (2009)
See also: United States District Court for the Central District of California
Judge Selna presided in a case involving age restrictions on immigration green cards. A group of green card holders sued the federal government claiming that if children turned age 21 while their parents were awaiting a green card they could have new applications signed on their behalf. However, the judge ruled on October 13, 2009, that if a child turns 21, they must restart the application process.