From AP reports:
The San Francisco-based court also has more reversals by the U.S. Supreme Court — 12 out of 17 cases this term — than any other circuit. That is partly because it is the biggest circuit, covering California and eight other states. But it is also because it tends to make liberal, activist rulings.
Of the circuit's 23 active judges, 17 were appointed by Democratic presidents and six by Republicans. Circuit Judge Alfred Goodwin[85?!?], who ruled Wednesday that the words "under God" make the Pledge of Allegiance an unconstitutional endorsement of religion, was appointed by President Nixon. Appointments are for life.
From sfgate.com:
Judge Stephen Reinhardt, an appointee of former President Jimmy Carter, ...
Dissenting Judge Ferdinand F. Fernandez, appointed by the first President Bush, chided the decision by Goodwin...