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Mackey to Retire From Los Angeles Superior Court
By a MetNews Staff Writer
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MALCOM MACKEY |
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Malcolm H. Mackey announced yesterday he will retire from office on Jan. 2, six days shy of 45 years since he first donned a judicial robe.
Mackey, 94, became a judge of the Los Angeles Municipal Court on Jan. 8, 1979, through election. He was elected by colleagues as assistant presiding judge, then presiding judge.
Voters elected him to the Los Angeles Superior Court in 1988 for a term commencing Jan. 2, 1989. Last year, he handily beat off a challenge by an attorney who targeted him based on his age.
Mackey is the oldest judge on the Superior Court, but is still possessed of vim.
He said in a letter to Presiding Judge Samantha P. Jessner yesterday that it is “with a heavy heart” that he announces his retirement, adding:
“It has been my pleasure to work for the Los Angeles Superior Court for the last 44 years.
“Since 1979, I have heard and ruled upon thousands of cases dutifully serving justice for the people of California. Having served the public for over a half a century has been a privilege; arguing cases before the Appellate and Supreme Courts of California as well as the U.S. Supreme Court. “It is humbling to have my judicial dedication honored with reelection by the people 11 times in my career.”
He noted that his judicial service has included service on assignment to the Court of Appeal for this district. Mackey continued:
“Navigating the quest for justice through the process of law has been both challenging and meaningful for me. In 2018, I was most proud to have my service recognized by the people of Los Angeles and my colleagues, receiving 78% of the Los Angeles County vote and an Exceptionally Well Qualified rating by the Los Angeles County Bar Association.
“I hope to have happy years of retirement traveling and spending time with my wife, children, and grandchildren. I wish you luck on your leadership in the courts and offer my assistance to you and the next generation of judges in maintaining the Constitution and the rule of law.”
Mackey, whose law degree is from Southwestern, was president of the Lawyers Club prior to becoming a judge.
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