Explained: Alvin K. Hellerstein, a federal judge who handled Trump, Maduro and 9/11 cases, dies at 92

Alvin K. Hellerstein, a Manhattan federal judge, died on Wednesday at age 92.

Southern District of New York

A federal judicial district covering Manhattan and other parts of New York, where Hellerstein served.

senior status

A semi-retired status for federal judges that reduces caseload while still allowing them to hear cases.

narco-terrorism conspiracy

A criminal charge combining drug trafficking offenses with terrorism-related allegations.

presidential immunity

A legal doctrine, cited in a Supreme Court ruling, that presidents cannot be prosecuted for official acts.

2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals

A federal appellate court that reviews decisions from lower courts including the Southern District of New York.