Barrington D. Parker facts for kids

Barrington Daniels Parker (born November 17, 1915 – died June 2, 1993) was an important United States federal judge. He served on the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. Judges like Parker help make sure laws are followed fairly.

Early Life and Education

Barrington Daniels Parker was born in Rosslyn, Virginia. This was on November 17, 1915. His father was a dean at a law school in Washington, D.C.

Barrington went to Dunbar High School. It is located in Washington, D.C. After high school, he attended Lincoln University. He earned a degree in economics in 1936. Then, he studied at the University of Pennsylvania. He received a Master of Arts degree in 1938. Finally, he earned his law degree from the University of Chicago Law School in 1947.

Becoming a Federal Judge

On September 15, 1969, President Richard Nixon chose Parker for a special job. He nominated him to be a judge on the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. This court handles many important legal cases.

The United States Senate approved Parker's nomination. This happened on December 18, 1969. He officially became a judge the next day, December 19, 1969.

Senior Status

On December 19, 1985, Judge Parker took on a new role. He became a Senior Judge. This means he could still hear cases but with a lighter workload. He continued to serve as a judge until he passed away.

Judge Parker died on June 2, 1993. He was at Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Important Cases

Judge Parker handled several significant cases during his time on the bench.

High-Profile Case

One of his most well-known cases involved a person named John Hinckley Jr.. This case was widely discussed at the time.

Prison Unit Ruling

Judge Parker also made a very important decision about a prison unit. This unit was called the High Security Unit. It was located in a women's prison in Lexington, Kentucky. This unit held some prisoners in isolation. This was sometimes based on their political beliefs.

Judge Parker ordered this unit to be closed. He stated that the way prisoners were treated there was not fair. He said the extreme security and isolation were harmful. He ordered the prison to change its rules. He also said the prisoners should be moved into the general prison population. This ruling helped ensure better treatment for prisoners.

Family Life

Barrington Daniels Parker had a son named Barrington Daniels Parker Jr.. His son followed in his footsteps. Barrington Daniels Parker Jr. is also a judge. He is a senior judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.