Metropolitan News-Enterprise

 

Tuesday, April 3, 2018

 

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Ninth Circuit Judges Speak of Reinhardt With Admiration, Affection

 

By a MetNews Staff Writer

 

STEPHEN REINHARDT

1931-2018

Judges of the Ninth  U.S. Court of Appeals have offered words of tribute to their late colleague Stephen Reinhardt.

Reinhardt, often referred to as the “liberal lion,” succumbed Thursday to a heart attack. He was 87.

The circuit’s chief judge, Sidney R. Thomas, remarked:

“Judge Reinhardt is rightly considered to be one of the giants of the law. He earned his reputation by virtue of a brilliant legal mind, an unmatched work ethic and deeply held principles.

“He resolutely pursued justice as he saw it.”

Chief Judge Emeritus J. Clifford Wallace, now on senior status, said:

“His life was focused on the law and with his brilliant mind, he became one of the most effective contributors to our judicial system.”

Another chief judge emeritus, Mary M. Schroeder, also on senior status, declared:

“Steve battled his entire career for civil rights and civil liberties. In countless cases he was able to help the little person come out on top by the sheer force of his intellect. His death is a staggering loss.”

Comments From Paez

Judge Richard Paez offered a similar observation.

“Judge Reinhardt was inspiring in how he cared about the less fortunate, about individuals charged with crimes or incarcerated,” he said. “His concern that they be treated fairly and humanely was just an inspiration to me.”

He added that Reinhardt’s contributions to Ninth Circuit law and American jurisprudence “were significant and will be long lasting.”

Judge A. Wallace Tashima commented:

“His strength was his creativity; he was always searching for new ways and new places in which to apply his liberal principles within the bounds of the law.”

Judge William Fletcher termed Reinhardt “a truly great judge, elaborating:

“He passionately believed in justice and, at an age when most of his colleagues had taken senior status or had retired, he worked tirelessly to achieve it. I loved and admired him.”

Remarks by Conservative

Judge N. Randy Smith, a conservative, reflected:

“I didn’t always agree with him. but one of my life’s lushest honors has been to serve with this legal giant.”

He said Reinhardt’s death was “an overwhelming loss to the country, to the Ninth Circuit and to me personally.”

Reinhardt never lost faith in the rule of law, Judge Marsha Berzon said, relating:

“Steve could be cynical and caustic at times, when his hopes for a better future for us all briefly flagged in the face of events. But, to the day he died, he retained his never-give-up conviction that the law could and would, in die long run, improve our lives.”

Judge Kim Wardlaw hailed Reinhardt as “one of the greatest jurists in our country.”

She continued:

“His loss will be felt nationwide, and most of all by his colleagues and friends. His footprints may be followed, but his shoes will never be filled.”

Reinhardt was born in New York City and came to California for his undergraduate studies, receiving his B.A. in 1951 from Pomona College. He attended Yale Law School, earning his LL.B. in 1954.

After serving in the Air Force for two years, he law clerked for Judge Luther W. Youngdahl of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. He then moved west permanently to enter into private practice in Los Angeles.

President Carter nominated Reinhardt to the Ninth Circuit in 1979, and he was confirmed and received his judicial commission in 1980. At die time of his death, he was one of the five Carter appointees still serving on the court.

His widow is Ramona Ripston, a retired executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California.

A Ninth Circuit spokesperson said the court will convene a special session to honor Reinhardt on a date that is not yet set.

 

Copyright 2018, Metropolitan News Company