Battin was nominated by President Richard Nixon on February 20, 1969, to a seat on the United States District Court for the District of Montana vacated by Judge William James Jameson. He was confirmed by the United States Senate on February 25, 1969, and received his commission on February 27, 1969.
In February 1969, President Richard Nixon chose Battin to fill a vacant judgeship on the United States District Court for the District of Montana, which had been left empty by Judge William James Jameson. The nomination was later confirmed by the Senate, and Battin received his official appointment.