High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! In the history of the United States, there have been approximately thirty-two unsuccessful recess appointments to United States federal courts. Twenty two persons have been appointed to a United States federal court through a recess appointment, who were thereafter rejected by the United States Senate when their name was formally submitted in nomination, either by a vote rejecting the nominee, or by the failure of the Senate to act on the nomination. These individuals served as federal judges, having full authority to hold office and issue rulings, until their rejection by the Senate. Five individuals were appointed, but resigned the office either before the Senate voted on their nomination, or before a formal nomination was even submitted. Another five individuals were appointed, but were found to be unavailable to assume the office.