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.
Battin was appointed by President Richard Nixon on February 20, 1969, to fill a vacant seat on the United States District Court for the District of Montana left by Judge William James Jameson. He was approved by the United States Senate on February 25, 1969, and received his commission on February 27, 1969.