J. Frederick Motz

John Frederick Motz (December 30, 1942 – October 23, 2023) was a United States district judge of the United States District Court for the District of Maryland. He served as judge on that court from 1985 to his death. His previous experience included a range of positions as an Assistant United States Attorney and United States Attorney, and more than a decade in private practice. He was also chairman of the board of Trustees for Sheppard Pratt Health System.

Education and career Born on December 30, 1942, in Baltimore, Maryland, Motz received an Artium Baccalaureus degree from Wesleyan University in 1964 and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1967. He served as a law clerk to Judge Harrison Lee Winter of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit from 1967 to 1968. He was in private practice in Baltimore from 1968 to 1969. He was an Assistant United States Attorney of the District of Maryland from 1969 to 1971. He was in private practice in Baltimore from 1971 to 1981. He was the United States Attorney for the District of Maryland from 1981 to 1985. His wife, Diana Gribbon Motz, sits on the Fourth Circuit.

Federal judicial service On April 23, 1985, Motz was nominated by President Ronald Reagan to a new seat on the United States District Court for the District of Maryland created by 98 Stat. 333. He was confirmed by the United States Senate on July 11, 1985, and received his commission on July 12, 1985. He served as Chief Judge from 1994 to 2001. He took senior status on December 17, 2010.

In July 2006, Judge Motz struck down Maryland's "Wal-Mart Law" for violating the federal ERISA act. The Maryland law, Motz wrote, "violates ERISA's fundamental purpose of permitting multi-state employers to maintain nationwide health and welfare plans, providing uniform nationwide benefits and permitting uniform national administration."

Death Motz died at his home in Baltimore on October 23, 2023. He was 80.