Lubbie Harper Jr. facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Lubbie Harper Jr.
Harper in 2011
Justice of the Connecticut Supreme Court
In office March 16, 2011 – November 2012
Appointed by	Dannel Malloy
Preceded by	Joette Katz
Succeeded by	Andrew J. McDonald
Personal details
Born	1942 (age 82–83) New Haven, Connecticut, US
Political party	Democratic
Alma mater	University of New Haven (BS) University of Connecticut (MSW, JD)
Occupation	Lawyer, judge

Lubbie Harper Jr. (born in 1942) is an American lawyer and judge. He made history as the third African American to become a justice on the Connecticut Supreme Court. He served on this important court from 2011 to 2012.

In 2008, while helping out on the court, he cast a very important vote. This vote helped to make a ruling that allowed all loving couples to marry in Connecticut. Before joining the Supreme Court, Harper also served as a judge on the Connecticut Superior Court (1997–2005) and the Connecticut Appellate Court (2005–2011).

Early Life and Education

Lubbie Harper Jr. was born in 1942 in New Haven, Connecticut. His parents had moved north from North Carolina. He grew up in the Newhallville and Dixwell neighborhoods. His mother and grandmother raised him.

He went to public schools in his hometown. He was a talented basketball player at Wilbur L. Cross High School. He graduated from high school in 1961.

Harper was the first person in his family to go to college. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of New Haven in 1965. Then, he received a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Connecticut in 1967.

For almost ten years, he worked in the community. He helped coordinate programs at New Haven Community Schools. He also taught students at the UConn School of Social Work. Later, he returned to UConn to study law. He earned his law degree (a J.D.) from the University of Connecticut School of Law in 1975.

After becoming a lawyer in 1976, Harper worked in private practice for over twenty years. He represented the New Haven board of education. He handled matters about workers' rights and education laws. He also helped with political campaigns in the 1990s.

Judicial Career

Lubbie Harper Jr. was appointed as a judge by three different governors. Two were Republican, and one was Democratic. On May 22, 1997, Governor John G. Rowland chose Harper for the Connecticut Superior Court. He officially became a judge on July 7, 1997.

On January 5, 2005, Governor Jodi Rell nominated Harper for the Connecticut Appellate Court. He took his oath of office on January 26, 2005. During his time on this court, Harper wrote 224 legal opinions.

In 2008, he temporarily served on the Connecticut Supreme Court. This happened when Chief Justice Chase T. Rogers was unable to participate in a case. Harper cast the deciding vote in a very important case. This ruling allowed all loving couples to marry in Connecticut.

On February 23, 2011, Governor Dannel Malloy nominated Harper for the Connecticut Supreme Court. Even though Harper would turn 70 in November 2012, he was still chosen. The court has a mandatory retirement age of 70.

On March 16, 2011, the Connecticut House of Representatives approved his nomination. The vote was 124 to 16. The Connecticut State Senate also approved it, 24 to 7. Harper was sworn in on the same day. He took the place of Joette Katz on the court. Harper was the third African American to serve on Connecticut's highest court. The others were Robert D. Glass and Flemming L. Norcott Jr..

After retiring from the courts, Harper still serves as a judge sometimes. He works on the Appellate Court when needed. He leads the State Commission on Racial and Ethnic Disparity in the Criminal Justice System. He also represents Connecticut in a national group that works for fairness in courts. Throughout his life, he has guided many students, lawyers, and other judges.

Community Involvement

Lubbie Harper Jr. has always been active in his community. For twelve years, he was the president of the New Haven Legal Assistance Association’s Board. This group helps people who cannot afford legal help.

He also taught at Yale Law School. He served on the advisory board for legal studies at the University of New Haven. He was also on the university's board of governors. He was a board member for many community and professional groups. These included the Connecticut Judges Association and the UConn School of Law Alumni Association. He also helped groups like the Children's Museum of Greater New Haven and the Urban League.

Awards and Recognition

Harper has received many awards and honors for his work. He received honorary Doctor of Laws degrees. One was from the Quinnipiac University School of Law in 2012. Another was from the University of New Haven in 2013.

In 2013, the Library Media Center at Wilbur L. Cross High School was named after him. The University of New Haven also created a scholarship fund in his name in 2017. This fund helps students with their education.

Some of his other awards include:

• UConn School of Law Alumni Association's Public Service Award in 2022
• New Haven County Bar Association's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019
• Greater New Haven NAACP's Legend Award in 2019
• New Haven Register's Person of the Year in 2018
• Connecticut Bar Association's John Eldred Shields Distinguished Professional Service Award in 2016
• George W. Crawford Black Bar Association's Trailblazer Award in 2015
• Eastern Connecticut State University's Community Recipient of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Distinguished Service Award in 2013
• Lawyers Collaborative for Diversity’s Edwin Archer Randolph Diversity Award in 2011
• Connecticut State Conference of NAACP Branches' 100 Most Influential Blacks in Connecticut List in 2009
• New Haven Public School Foundation's Annual Alumni Legacy Award in 2008
• Greater New Haven Branch of the NAACP's Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Leadership Award in 2006
• University of New Haven Alumni Association's Distinguished Alumni Award in 2003

Personal Life

Lubbie Harper Jr. and his wife, Twila, live in North Haven.

See also

• List of African-American jurists