James Lopez Watson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Lopez Watson
|
|
|---|---|
| Senior Judge of the United States Court of International Trade | |
| In office February 28, 1991 – September 1, 2001 |
|
| Judge of the United States Court of International Trade | |
| In office November 1, 1980 – February 28, 1991 |
|
| Appointed by | operation of law |
| Preceded by | Seat established by 94 Stat. 1727 |
| Succeeded by | Donald C. Pogue |
| Judge of the United States Customs Court | |
| In office March 7, 1966 – November 1, 1980 |
|
| Appointed by | Lyndon B. Johnson |
| Preceded by | Jed Johnson |
| Succeeded by | Seat abolished |
| Member of the New York Senate from the 21st district |
|
| In office 1954–1963 |
|
| Preceded by | Julius A. Archibald |
| Succeeded by | Constance Baker Motley |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
James Lopez Watson
May 21, 1922 New York City, New York |
| Died | September 1, 2001 (aged 79) New York City, New York |
| Education | New York University (BA) Brooklyn Law School (LLB) |
James Lopez Watson (born May 21, 1922 – died September 1, 2001) was an important judge in the United States. He worked for the United States Court of International Trade. Judge Watson made history by becoming the first African-American judge to lead a federal court in the southern United States.
Early Life and Education
James L. Watson was born in Harlem, New York City, on May 21, 1922. His parents were James S. Watson and Violet Watson.
During World War II, James Watson served in the United States Army from 1943 to 1945. He fought in Italy and was awarded the Purple Heart for his bravery.
After the war, he continued his education. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from New York University in 1947. Later, he received a Bachelor of Laws degree from Brooklyn Law School in 1951.
Early Career
From 1951 to 1953, James Watson worked as a lawyer in private practice. This means he worked for himself or a law firm, helping clients with legal issues.
He then entered politics, serving in the New York State Senate from 1954 to 1963. As a state senator, he helped create laws for New York.
After his time in the state senate, he became a judge for the New York City Civil Court. He served in this role from 1963 to 1966.
Federal Judge Service
In 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson chose James Watson to be a federal judge. He was confirmed by the United States Senate on March 4, 1966. He officially started his new job on March 7, 1966, on the United States Customs Court.
In 1980, the Customs Court changed its name to the United States Court of International Trade. Judge Watson continued his service on this new court. Judges from this court often work in different federal courts across the country. This led to Judge Watson becoming the first African-American judge to lead a federal court in the American Deep South.
Judge Watson retired from full-time service on February 28, 1991, taking on a "senior status" role. He continued to serve until his death on September 1, 2001, in Harlem, due to cancer.
Legacy and Honor
To honor his important contributions, a courthouse in Manhattan was renamed after him in 2003. It is now known as the James L. Watson United States Court of International Trade Building. This shows how much he was respected for his work and service.
See also
- List of African-American jurists
- List of first minority male lawyers and judges in the United States
