This might be the most consequential Texan you've never heard of. Judge Justice (love the name) was a native Texan who served not on the state courts, but on the federal courts, and was responsible for a large number of significant decisions that applied the equal protection of the laws to the state.
This did not make him very popular among Texans happy with the status quo. Among those he is an example of governmental overreach and judicial activism.
But that's how it goes.
The is detailed look at his career provides a great way to look at the nature of the conflict between Texas and the national government over the later years of the 20th century. Texas did not willingly go along with the expansion of civil rights. It had to compelled to, and Judge Justice was one of the people responsible for making that happen.
The sections on federalism probably fit best with this book, as well as those on elections. Remember that he was a federal judge. He is not a member of the Texas Judiciary, though he did have an impact on how it did business. Note that you will find overlap between 2305 and 2306 here. That's because as a federal judge he made decisions that made the state comply with national laws. Something some - but not all - Texans take issue with.
Relevant blog tags:
- civil liberties.
- civil rights.
- education.
- equal protection.
- federal judges.
- federalism.
- judicial activism.
- Texas Judges.
- US - Texas Conflict.
- William Wayne Justice.
