Yesterday, Judge Michael S. Kanne of the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit passed away.  He was 83 years old.

Judge Kanne earned his bachelor's degree in 1962 from Indiana University and, after his graduation, served as a lieutenant in the United States Air Force.  Following his military service, he attended Indiana University's Maurer School of Law, where he received his Juris Doctor in 1968. 

From 1968 to 1982, Judge Kanne worked in private practice, served as a City Attorney for the city of Rensselaer, Indiana, and served as a judge on the Indiana Circuit Court, Thirtieth Judicial Circuit.

In 1982, President Reagan appointed Judge Kanne to the United States District Court for the Northern District of Indiana and, five years later, to the Seventh Circuit.  During his tenure on the Seventh Circuit, Judge Kanne held several important positions in federal-court administration and governance, including as chair of the Judicial Conference Committee on Space and Facilities and the Committee on Judicial Security.

The ALA extends its deepest condolences to Judge Kanne's family and colleagues.