Retired California Chief Justice Malcolm Lucas died yesterday. He was 89.
Justice Lucas was the lone voice of sense on the California Supreme Court in its darkest days, a time when judicial activism ran roughshod over the validly enacted will of the people, over the rights of victims, and over the state constitution itself. He gave up a U.S. District Judge seat to take the position, and one reporter asked him why he was taking a "demotion." There was important work to be done.
In 1986, the people stood up, said "no more," and booted three of the justices, including the notorious Chief Justice Rose Bird. Governor Deukmejian elevated Justice Lucas to Chief Justice. As the leader of the court, he was instrumental in restoring it to one of the finest courts in the nation.
After retirement, Chief Justice Lucas was a friend and advisor to CJLF. He will be missed.
Justice Lucas was the lone voice of sense on the California Supreme Court in its darkest days, a time when judicial activism ran roughshod over the validly enacted will of the people, over the rights of victims, and over the state constitution itself. He gave up a U.S. District Judge seat to take the position, and one reporter asked him why he was taking a "demotion." There was important work to be done.
In 1986, the people stood up, said "no more," and booted three of the justices, including the notorious Chief Justice Rose Bird. Governor Deukmejian elevated Justice Lucas to Chief Justice. As the leader of the court, he was instrumental in restoring it to one of the finest courts in the nation.
After retirement, Chief Justice Lucas was a friend and advisor to CJLF. He will be missed.
