Despite his imprisonment, Judge Nixon has continued to receive the $89,500 annual salary due each member of the Federal bench.

When he was removed from office, Judge Nixon was in prison, serving a five-year term.

In an interview with Federal agents, Judge Nixon denied that he had had any involvement.

And in 1989, the Senate convicted Judge Nixon of perjury on two articles.

A secretary at Judge Nixon's office in Biloxi said the judge would have no immediate comment on the appeals court decision.

He noted that the case involving Judge Nixon concerned whether he had tried to intervene in a drug investigation.

The report included three articles of impeachment against Judge Nixon.

The American people, to say nothing of history, would never know exactly which of Judge Nixon's statements we regarded as untrue.

A "reasonable woman" would have taken offense at his behavior, Judge Nixon said.

Lower courts already have ruled out review for an official like Judge Nixon who was convicted of the crimes for which he was removed.