On September 27, 1950, Carter received a recess appointment from President Harry S. Truman to a new seat on the United States District Court for the Northern District of California created by 63 Stat. 493. Formally nominated to the same seat by President Truman on November 27, 1950, he was confirmed by the United States Senate on December 13, 1950, and received his commission on December 21, 1950. He served as Chief Judge from 1970 to 1976, assuming senior status on April 7, 1976. Carter served in that capacity until his death on June 14, 1976, of a heart attack.[1]
Notable case
Carter presided over the eight-week trial of Patty Hearst, including the jury's return of a guilty verdict on March 20, 1976. Following the trial, Carter died unexpectedly prior to the resolution of Hearst's sentencing, which ultimately took place on September 24, 1976.[2]