Franklin Cleckley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Franklin Cleckley
|
|
|---|---|
.jpg) |
|
| Justice of the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia | |
| In office September 6, 1994 – November 5, 1996 |
|
| Appointed by | Gaston Caperton |
| Preceded by | Thomas B. Miller |
| Succeeded by | Robin Davis |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Franklin Dorrah Cleckley
August 1, 1940 Huntington, West Virginia, U.S. |
| Died | August 14, 2017 (aged 77) Morgantown, West Virginia, U.S. |
| Alma mater | Anderson University Indiana University School of Law Harvard Law School University of Exeter |
Franklin Dorrah Cleckley (born August 1, 1940 – died August 14, 2017) was an important American law professor and judge. He taught law at West Virginia University College of Law for many years, from 1969 to 2013. He was known as the Arthur B. Hodges Professor of Law.
Justice Cleckley made history as the first African-American person to serve as a justice on the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals. He was appointed to this high court by Governor Gaston Caperton in 1994. He served on the court until 1996.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Franklin Cleckley was born in Huntington, West Virginia, on August 1, 1940. He grew up in McDowell County, West Virginia. He worked hard in school and earned several degrees.
He received his first degree from Anderson College in 1962. Later, he earned a law degree from Indiana University Maurer School of Law in 1965. He continued his studies at Harvard Law School, getting another law degree in 1969. He also studied in England at the University of Exeter.
Career Highlights
Before becoming a professor and judge, Cleckley served in the United States Navy. He was a Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer during the Vietnam War. This meant he was a lawyer for the military. He was known for being a very skilled attorney during his time in Vietnam.
In 1969, Cleckley joined the faculty at West Virginia University College of Law. He was the first African-American professor there. He taught important subjects like evidence, criminal procedure, and civil rights. He also taught as a guest professor at several other universities across the country.
Awards and Recognition
Justice Cleckley cared deeply about helping others. In 1990, he started the Franklin D. Cleckley Foundation. This foundation helps people who have been in trouble with the law get education and jobs.
He received many awards for his work and dedication to justice. Some of these include:
- The "Civil Libertarian of the Year Award" from the West Virginia Civil Liberties Union.
- The "Civil Rights Award" from the West Virginia Human Rights Commission.
- The Thurgood Marshall Award from the West Virginia NAACP.
- The Neil S. Bucklew Award for Social Justice.
The West Virginia University College of Law and the University of Chicago Law School created the Justice Franklin D. Cleckley Fellowship in his honor. This fellowship helps support the West Virginia Innocence Project, which works to free people who were wrongly convicted. West Virginia University also started the "Franklin D. Cleckley Symposium" in 1992. This event brings together civil rights leaders to speak at the university.
Important Writings
As a judge, Cleckley wrote over 100 main opinions for the Supreme Court. These opinions are official decisions that explain the court's rulings. He also helped write the rules for criminal procedures and evidence in West Virginia.
He wrote several important books for lawyers, including:
- Handbook on Evidence for West Virginia Lawyers
- Handbook on West Virginia Criminal Procedure
He also wrote many articles for law journals, sharing his ideas on important legal topics.
Later Life
Franklin Cleckley passed away at his home in Morgantown, West Virginia, on August 14, 2017. He was 77 years old. His legacy as a groundbreaking judge, dedicated professor, and advocate for justice continues to inspire many.
See also
- List of African-American jurists
- List of first minority male lawyers and judges in West Virginia
