[1] Martin was nominated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on April 22, 1935, to a seat on the United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee vacated by Judge Harry B. Anderson.

He was confirmed by the United States Senate on April 30, 1935, and received his commission on May 3, 1935.

His service terminated on September 16, 1940, due to his elevation to the Sixth Circuit.

[1] Martin was nominated by President Roosevelt on August 12, 1940, to the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, to a new seat authorized by 54 Stat.

He served as Chief Judge and as a member of the Judicial Conference of the United States in 1959.