keeton was nominated by president jimmy carter on january 25, 1979, to the united states district court for the district of massachusetts, to a new seat authorized by 92 stat. 1629. he was confirmed by the united states senate on march 21, 1979, and received his commission on march 23, 1979. he assumed senior status on february 28, 2003. his service terminated on september 8, 2006, due to retirement. in 1979 chief justice warren burger appointed him chair of the standing committee on rules of practice and procedure of the judicial conference of the united states, a body responsible for developing the federal rules of civil procedure and federal rules of criminal procedure.