[1] Hoffman was soon caught up in desegregation cases arising from Virginia's (or the Byrd Organization's) policy of Massive Resistance.
[citation needed] During his judicial career, Hoffman drew considerable praise as well as criticism (including a cross being burned on his lawn) for his handling of cases involving Massive resistance and desegregation of schools in Norfolk and Hampton Roads.
[3] A firm believer in litigants' rights to a speedy trial, Hoffman introduced the "rocket docket" in his district, which continues today.
[citation needed] His papers are held by the Washington and Lee University in the archives of its School of Law.
[5] The Norfolk and Portsmouth Bar Association also names its annual award for outstanding hands-on community service for the late jurist.