Earlier this semester, we read about a judge (perhaps) behaving badly. Now, I'd like you to read about a larger-than-life judge who had a significant impact on the state of Texas.
U.S. District Judge William Wayne Justice died two weeks ago. His decisions regarding public schools, the prison system, mental health centers, education rights and other important issues, changed the way things were done in Texas.
Please read this news obituary about Justice's long, rich life. Pay particular attention to those cases that relate back to some of the cases we've discussed in media law class. For instance, his decision about an effort by a college to bar admission to long-haired men with mustaches and beards.
Also, make note of the decision of which he said he was most proud.
Judge William Wayne Justice. Rest in peace.
After reading his obituary, feel free to post your reactions.
Click here to read the obituary in the Austin American-Statesman.
25 comments:
I thought this article was great in respect to a great, influential man. I had not heard of this judge before and am glad the Statesman had such a nice obituary on him.
In the case of the Tyler Community College attempting to ban long-haired, I am reminded of the cases we went over in class concerning high school students and their rights. I agree with Judge Justice's ruling that it is silly to ban these men. Also, I feel that as college students, we all have the rights of all adults. Elementary and even high school students are much different than college kids.
I also found the rulings concerning prison inmates and those in mental health institutions to be great. Someone needed to step in and prevent abuse and rape from happening. I think it's great Judge Justice did this.
It is safe to say that Judge Justice was progressive and way ahead of his time. He was a movement in himself.
While I would like to say that I cannot imagine living in a place where such restrictive and conservative views and ideas are not only upheld or actively practiced, unfortunately I have.
However, it is because of men and women like Justice who have stood up the the support of equality of all that have made sharing my views possible.
He was a strong and fair man and this article did him the same justice that he provided for many.
I found the article very inspiring. To think that one man was able to bring about some much change in his lifetime despite grave opposition, is moving. I admire his humble nature and his perseverance.
I especially admire that which he was most proud of - providing education to children who were previously denied the right. When a lot of Texans, especially being so close to the border, are against providing rights to illegal immigrants, I think it was revolutionary and thoughtful that Justice was able to look beyond the parents and reason that the children should not be punished or denied privileges, because of their parent's illegal doing.
May he rest in peace. :D
Judge Justice was a one-in-a-million find. Truly great. It's especially surprising that he comes from EAST Texas.
It seems he really was progressive and helped mold and evolve Texas laws, schools and government in his mere 89 years of live. Just shows how much one can accomplish when they set their mind to it.
What a great article to pay respects to Judge Justice. I had never heard of him previously, and I can easily see how he would have been a very polarizing figure in his East Texas community, especially in the date and time in which he was at his peak. It is sort of funny for us to see the social norms that we take for granted as being something that was once hotly contested in a court of law, but his rulings have shaped what is common practice for our society today. Rest in peace, Judge Justice.
Wow! This is an ACCOMPLISHED man! Like many of the other responders to this blog post, I have never heard of him either but by reading the article & their praise for judge Justice, this judge was a very big deal when it came to change in the way Texans think when it comes to the law. He challenged the norms of East Texas society (in the "long-hair" case) & shifted the ways from the ultra-convervatism of Northeast Texas into the mainstream. He definitely was a pioneer for a more liberal-minded Texas. You will be missed, judge Justice!
-"That guy" (Jeff)
The best words to describe Judge Justice would be a fighter and resilient. He was a part of some major decisions that have forever shaped our country and he never backed down from the fight. It was interesting to see all of his major accomplishments and to hear his personal feelings about the cases. One of my favorite parts of the article was when he explains that he “developed an attitude where [he] can understand the people that are oppressed.” I believe this is important in a judge’s case because it helps them make better decisions for all of us citizens. He said the case that he was the most proud of would be Doe v. Plyler. Whatever your political beliefs on undocumented immigrants, it is nice to see his reasoning on why this would be his proudest moment. He says it’s because he allowed several million children to get an education. What a great feeling!
Jillian Carpenter 9:30
Judge Justice should have a movie made after him. As I read about his life in Tyler, challenging prejudice after prejudice, I couldn't stop picturing a Robert Duval-type actor playing the role of Judge Justice. His life was incredible, and I can imagine how after knowing your work provided an avenue for countless children to receive an education, that the end justified the means. It is amazing how a man who was once criticized for overly-broad expansions of the constituion, had to fight through so much controversy and hate to accomplish what many judges today are praised for. The most hated man in Texas probably gained more fulfillment in his job than most who just go with the majority. The road to change always begins with a dirt pile and a shovel, and I thank Judge Justice for rolling up his sleeves and striking ground.
Wow. As a potential future law student, this gives me someone to look up to--someone real. Down to his name, he couldn't have been more appropriate on the bench. Instead of the value of self-preservation, he upheld a greater value--justice.
If you're from a small town, you'll sympathize--but getting snubbed in the town cafe is not fun. It takes a lot of muster to make unpopular decisions for the greater good and I'm glad he made them (while sitting here with my long hair).
--Caleb
Judge Justice was a "giant" indeed. When you receive death threats and hate mail on a frequent basis, it would be real easy to quit your post and seek sanctuary. Judge Justice, however, was not built that way. He stood up for what he thought was right, and furthermore, what was constitutional.
Perhaps what he will be remembered for most will be his Tyler Junior College decision, which gave male students with long-hair the right to attend, but what I will take away from Judge Justice's legacy is that he stood up for people who did not look or act like him, which was unprecedented for that time, and for that region of the United States. He went to bat for children of color, doing all he could to ensure that latino children and black children received the same treatment that white children experienced in the public school system. He even looked out for inmates who received unfair treatment in the prison system. It is hard for a lot of people, including myself, to muster up sympathy for prisoners, but they do have individual rights and Judge Justice took it upon himself to ensure that prison guards did not stoop to their level by taking advantage of them. Judge Justice should also be remembered for his efforts outside the courtroom, serving in the United States Army during World War II as a first lieutenant.
Judge Justice is a great American, and it is in the hands of future generations to ensure that his legacy is preserved.
This was a great article written for Judge Justice. It gave me insight to not just a judge but to a very influential one in Texas history. I like this because I can kind of understand what a judge really goes through- the more personal aspect of the life a judge. It is intesting to know about a judge not just by his profession (for example the rulings) but by his real life experiences (like the time he walked into a gas station and it got silent). I think I understand for the first time that it's not easy being a judge...
Like some others, I am suprised that I have never heard of Judge Justice. Throughout his many years he has accomplished a number of things to be proud of! It was interesting to read some of the cases that he was involved in since we learned about them in class. It is neat to think that he was a major influence in the cases from back in the day. He was obviously an interesting and brilliant man that cared for the right of others.
While it is sad to see an open-minded judge ahead of his time leave us, I am glad to see the Austin American-Statesman pay tribute to Judge Justice with a touching article.
What impresses me the most about the article's content is how Justice was firmly passionate about the decisions he made. While many of his court decisions were unpopular in Texas at the time (such as the ruling involving Tyler Junior College in 1970), Judge Justice did not let negative reactions waive his future rulings.
In addition, I agree with Justice's view that the Constitution and its amendments are "not static" and must draw "meaning from the evolving standards of decency that mark the progress of a maturing society."
Daniel J. Barrera (12:30)
It is amazing to see a man of such insight was involved in the judicial processes during a time when many under-privileged people were not being treated fairly. The amount of reform that came as a result of the courage this man had in facing such issues of debate is enormous. So many people today have been directly affected by his rulings and his ability to understand the Constitution as a living document relative to the times at which it is being interpreted was so key in those rulings. It is sad to know that such an influential, truth-seeking man has come to pass.
Wow! That man was amazing. I am very inspired after reading that article and learning about everything that he fought for and did. I actually feel very dumb about not knowing who this person was after all he did and I got to enjoy of.
I agree with the author of the article when she said Judge Justice was just what his name needed to be. I happy that he is from the great state of TEXAS!
Brittany Bemis 9:30
Judge Justice is so appropriate for this man. I enjoyed the heartfelt obituary, I think it accurately portrayed US District Judge William Wayne Justice.
The case he was most proud of was extending public education to undocumented children and young adults. The flowers received by his wife as a result of his ruling, that was a truly touching moment. I think it is a noble ruling and obviously brought him praise and criticism. He was the voice of the underdog. I was amused by the community college's attempt to prevent men with beards and long hair to attend school. That case seems like such an obvious decision, but at that time it was a highly controversial case. I believe his passion was his work and his time in the Texas Court was one of positive growth and change.
The article over Judge Justice was very inspiring. He accomplished a lot during is lifetime and fought against injustice. He fought for the "minority" even though it came with threats to even his own life.
Amanda Allen 12:30
What people believe good old values are sometimes mere prejudices. I liked the way Judge Justice supported his argument when he ruled the Tyler Junior College's requirements on male facial hairs were unconstitutional. "Nearly every delegate to the Constitutional Convention would have been banned from Tyler Junior College," he noted then according to the Statesman report.
If it were not for the work Judge Justice has done throughout his years of service there is not telling what the landscape of the state might be. He touched the lives of children, minorities,and immigrants and made things better for society as a whole. The imprints he has left will never be removed and the things he got done will never be forgotten. The fact that he was most proud of getting free education done in the state shows the true nature of his being.
It is amazing as I learn more about how the judicial system works how much influence a person can have when interpreting laws. A law is a law is a law..not when you can interpret it how you want it. I love it when people have their own opinions but respect others for having their own. Thanks judge
Jesse Moloney
What a great man. I never heard of him before, which is a shame. Know many of us know who changed the scope of Texas. He did so much for minorities of all kinds in Texas. He must have continually struggled to fight the good fight, but I'm glad he did. Rest in peace Judge Justice.
Though not one himself, Judge Justice fought for the rights of the have-nots throughout Texas and the United States. Justice fully believed that the Constitution should be ever evolving to accommodate a constantly changing culture and society. He forced prejudices to the forefront and pushed to have equal rights for all. He not only ordered integration of public schools but also assisted in the reform of prisons and mental health facilities and encouraged education for all. He helped to enforce many changes in Texas history that directly reflect changes occurring throughout the country. He assisted in forming the Texas laws we know them today.
A great article on a wonderful man. I wish I would have heard about him sooner. He has done so much for the state of Texas and for that I am grateful!
This is a great article on a person who needs to be highlighted more. Unfortunately in High School and even in college, often local Judges don't get a lot of the recognition they deserve. It's unfortunate to find out about him after he passed, but what's great to read about the article is how he was a progressive thinker even in a state that doesn't always do the same. It's sad to hear about his death but at the same time bittersweet to read about his accomplishments and decisions in such a historic time.
James McNeal
what a great guy, standing up for what he belived in. In some of the hardest times too!! God Bless Judge Justice
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