Morris Overstreet facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Morris Overstreet
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| Judge, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals | |
| In office 1991–1999 |
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| Governor | Ann Richards (1991–1995) George W. Bush (1995–1999) |
| Succeeded by | Cheryl Johnson |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 10, 1950 Amarillo, Texas, U.S. |
| Died | March 3, 2024 (aged 73) |
| Spouses | Carla F. Ortique, MD |
| Residences | Houston, Texas, U.S. |
| Alma mater | Angelo State University (B.A.) Texas Southern University School of Law (J.D.) |
| Occupation | Lawyer |
Morris L. Overstreet (born July 10, 1950 – died March 3, 2024) was an important American judge. He made history by becoming the first African-American person elected to a statewide office in Texas. This means he was chosen by voters from all over the state.
He served two terms on the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. This is the highest court in Texas for criminal cases. He was a judge there from 1990 to 1998. During his time on the court, he wrote more than 500 official opinions. These opinions explain the court's decisions.
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Learning and School
Morris Overstreet went to Amarillo High School in Amarillo. After high school, he studied at Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. He also studied Biology and Chemistry.
Later, he went to law school at Texas Southern University School of Law in Houston, Texas. He earned his law degree, called a Juris Doctor, in 1975.
A Career in Law
Before he became a judge, Morris Overstreet worked as a prosecutor. A prosecutor is a lawyer who works for the government. Their job is to prove that someone has broken the law. He worked in Amarillo for five years. He became the first assistant district attorney.
He also served as a judge for four years in Potter County. He oversaw many jury trials and non-jury trials. What's amazing is that none of his decisions were overturned by a higher court. This shows he was very good at his job.
In 1999, he became a certified contract advisor. This allowed him to help NFL players negotiate their contracts with football teams. He was also a member of several important legal groups. These included the National Bar Association and the American Bar Association.
Helping Others
From 1999 to 2000, Morris Overstreet taught law at his old law school, Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University. He was a special visiting professor.
In 2002, he went back to Texas Southern University. For four years, he was the director of the Legal Clinic. He also taught classes on evidence and criminal procedure.
In his private law practice, he helped the Texas State Baptist Convention as their main lawyer. He also led their statewide Bible Drill Competition. He was also the national legal counsel for the Phi Beta Sigma fraternity.
Being Part of Groups
Morris Overstreet was an active member of his community. He belonged to Mount Zion Baptist Church in Amarillo. He also attended Windsor Village United Methodist Church.
He was a life member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). This group works for civil rights and equality. He was also a life member of the Phi Beta Sigma fraternity. He was a member of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity too.
He often gave talks and lectures. He taught legal classes to other judges and lawyers across Texas. He shared his knowledge with many different legal groups.
His Legacy
Morris Overstreet passed away on March 3, 2024, at the age of 73. He is remembered for his important work in law and for being a trailblazer in Texas history.
See also
