[1][2] Hall received a recess appointment from President Thomas Jefferson on July 1, 1801, to the United States Circuit Court for the Fifth Circuit, to the new Chief Judge seat authorized by 2 Stat.

He was confirmed by the United States Senate on January 26, 1802, and received his commission the same day.

[1][2] In 1815, after it was learned that a treaty ending the War of 1812 had been signed, Hall challenged Andrew Jackson's continuing enforcement of martial law.

Hall was particularly incensed that Jackson had executed six militiamen for departing early from their enlistments.

After martial law ended, Hall fined Jackson $1,000 for contempt of court.