Clifford Scott Green facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Clifford Scott Green
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Official Portrait of Judge Green
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| Senior Judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania | |
| In office April 2, 1988 – May 31, 2007 |
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| Judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania | |
| In office December 9, 1971 – April 2, 1988 |
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| Appointed by | Richard Nixon |
| Preceded by | Harold Kenneth Wood |
| Succeeded by | Jan E. DuBois |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Clifford Scott Green
April 2, 1923 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Died | May 31, 2007 (aged 84) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Education | Temple University (B.S.) Temple University Beasley School of Law (J.D.) |
Clifford Scott Green (April 2, 1923 – May 31, 2007) was an important federal judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. He was one of the first African-American judges to serve in a federal court. In fact, he was the eighteenth African-American judge appointed to a federal court in the United States. He was also the second African-American judge on his specific court.
Judge Green served for 36 years. During this time, he handled many important cases. He was known as one of the most liked judges in his district.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Clifford Scott Green was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on April 2, 1923. His father, Robert Lewis Green, came from St. Thomas island in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Clifford went to West Philadelphia High School and graduated in 1941.
After high school, he worked in a restaurant and at a drug company. In 1942, he started a job with the United States Army Signal Corps.
Military Service
In 1943, Judge Green joined the United States Army Air Corps. This was the military branch that later became the United States Air Force. At that time, the armed forces were still segregated, meaning Black and white soldiers were kept separate.
Green hoped the military would be a good experience. However, when his unit arrived at Keesler Field in Mississippi, they were sent to a "tent city" instead of the barracks. He realized that the army had different standards for Black soldiers. He served until 1946 and became a Sergeant.
College and Law School
After his military service, Green returned to Philadelphia in 1946. He planned to use his G.I. Bill benefits to study electrical engineering at Drexel University. But Drexel's classes didn't start until September.
He found out that Temple University had classes starting sooner, so he decided to enroll there. He first studied economics and planned to become an accountant. However, he learned that it was difficult for African-American accountants to find jobs in Philadelphia at that time. So, he decided to study law, which was a dream his father had also shared.
Green earned his Bachelor of Science degree in economics in just over two years, graduating with honors in 1948. He then went to Temple Law School. He was one of only ten Black students there. He was part of the moot court team, which is like a debate team for lawyers. His team won a regional competition. In 1951, he earned his law degree with honors. He was among the top three students in his class.
Legal Career
In 1951, Green passed the Pennsylvania bar exam. He got the highest score in the entire state. After becoming a lawyer, he took over the law practice of Thomas Reed, another Black lawyer in Philadelphia.
In 1952, he started a law firm with Harvey Schmidt. Later, Doris M. Harris and A. Leon Higginbotham, Jr. joined. In 1955, J. Austin Norris, an important African-American political leader, also joined. The firm became known as Norris, Schmidt, Green, Harris, & Higginbotham. It was the first African-American law firm in Philadelphia.
This firm was very successful. It produced four federal judges, including Green himself. Two members became judges in Philadelphia, and another was appointed to lead a national commission.
Green's law practice covered many areas. At first, the firm mostly handled criminal defense cases. Later, they did more civil cases. Green also specialized in representing churches. He also worked on cases related to school integration, trying to make sure both students and teachers of all races could be together in schools. This was before and after the famous Brown v. Board of Education decision by the Supreme Court.
Green also served in public service. From 1954 to 1955, he was a special deputy attorney general for the state. He helped approve claims for workers' compensation.
Judicial Career
At first, Judge Green wasn't sure about becoming a judge because he loved being a lawyer. But in the late 1950s, he started to seek a position on the state court.
Green was a member of the Republican party for many years. His first attempt to become a judge was in 1959 for the Municipal Court, but he lost that election.
In 1964, Governor William Scranton appointed Green as a judge on the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia. He was later elected to a full term. While serving in the state court, Judge Green mostly worked as a juvenile court judge, handling cases involving young people.
Federal Judge Appointment
In 1971, a spot opened up on the federal District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Senator Hugh Scott supported Green for the position. President Richard Nixon nominated Green on December 1, 1971. The United States Senate confirmed him on December 4, and he officially became a judge on December 9.
In 1984, Judge Green was offered a position on a higher court, the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. But he turned it down. He said he loved his job on the district court and the friendships he had there.
On April 2, 1988, he took senior status. This meant he could work a reduced schedule but still hear cases. He continued to serve as a judge until he passed away. Judge Green was always a very popular judge. Lawyers in Philadelphia often praised him for his kind and fair manner.
Important Cases
Judge Green oversaw several important cases during his 35 years on the federal court.
- In a case called Bolden v. Pennsylvania State Police, Judge Green ordered the Pennsylvania State Police to hire more minority troopers. He also worked to end racism in their hiring practices. This case helped to integrate the State Police and ensure fair hiring for all. Judge Green oversaw this agreement for 25 years, making sure it was followed.
Awards and Honors
Judge Green received many awards for his work.
- In 1985, he was the first person to receive the NAACP's William H. Hastie award.
- In 2002, the American Bar Association gave him the Spirit of Excellence award.
- A chapter of the Judicial Council of the National Bar Association in Philadelphia is named in his honor.
- The Criminal Law Committee of the Federal Bar Association's Philadelphia Chapter also gives an award named after him.
Judge Green was a lifetime trustee of Temple University. He also served on the boards of the Philadelphia State Hospital and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
Death
Judge Clifford Scott Green passed away in Philadelphia on May 31, 2007. He was 84 years old. He was survived by his wife, daughter, and granddaughter.
Images for kids
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Judge Green (second from the left) with his former law partners at his swearing in
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Judge Green with Senators Hugh Scott and Richard Schweiker
