Scriven takes federal judge oath

TAMPA -- Mary Scriven, a federal magistrate in Tampa, was sworn in today as a U.S. district judge during an informal ceremony at the downtown Tampa federal courthouse.

Scriven's nomination was confirmed by the U.S. Senate last week. President Bush signed her commission on Tuesday. She begins her new post Friday at the federal courthouse in Orlando, where she will fill a vacancy created by retiring U.S. District Judge Patricia C. Fawsett.

Senior U.S. District Judge Susan C. Bucklew, who administered the oath, called Scriven an extraordinary person and a friend.

"For us, she's been a rock," Bucklew said of Scriven's tenure as a magistrate judge.

A formal investiture service will be held in December.

Kevin Graham, Times staff writer

*