96-year-old judge's mental fitness questioned, sparking age limit debate

96-year-old federal judge Pauline Newman suspended from new cases over concerns about her mental fitness.

Colleagues claim Newman has trouble with basic tasks, recall, and experiences "paranoia and angry rants."

Newman sued to stop the competency inquiry, arguing the court shouldn't investigate itself.

Debate over age limits triggered by Feinstein's absence with shingles and McConnell freezing during speeches.

Newman has resisted calls for medical testing to evaluate her fitness to serve.