Ralph Cook facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ralph Cook
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|---|---|
| Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Alabama | |
| In office 1993–2001 |
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| Appointed by | Jim Folsom |
| Preceded by | Oscar W. Adams Jr. |
| Succeeded by | Lyn Stuart |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Ralph Delano Cook
April 29, 1944 |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Charlsie Davis |
| Children | 3 |
| Parents | Joe Cook Nannie Cook |
| Education | Tennessee State University (BS) Howard University School of Law (JD) |
| Profession | Judge |
Ralph Delano Cook (born April 29, 1944) was an important judge on the Supreme Court of Alabama. He served on this high court from 1993 to 2001. Governor Jim Folsom Jr. chose Mr. Cook to take over from another judge, Oscar W. Adams Jr., who was retiring.
Ralph Cook: A Judge's Journey
Early Life and Learning
Ralph Cook grew up in Jefferson County, Alabama. He was the second of three children. His parents, Joe and Nannie Cook, owned a cleaning business in Bessemer.
Ralph went to Tennessee State University and earned his bachelor's degree. Later, he studied law at Howard University School of Law. After finishing his studies, he moved to California. There, he taught at San Jose State University and Cabrillo College.
From 1971 to 1973, he worked for the city of Berkeley, California. He was an administrative analyst, helping the city with its plans. At the end of 1973, he moved back to Alabama. He became a deputy district attorney, working to bring criminals to justice.
After returning to Alabama, he also taught at Miles Law School. In September 1976, he became the dean of the law school. He led the law school until 1990.
Becoming a Judge
Ralph Cook made history in Jefferson County, Alabama. He was the first black person to be elected as a state district judge there. Jefferson County is the biggest county in Alabama. He served as a district judge for four and a half years.
After that, he became the first black person elected to the circuit court in the same county. This was another big step in his career.
In November 1993, Ralph Cook was sworn in as a justice. He joined the state's highest court, the Supreme Court. In November 1994, he ran for a full term on the court. He was a Democrat. He won the election against Mark Montiel, who was a Republican.
However, when he ran for reelection in 2000, he did not win. He was defeated by Republican challenger Lyn Stuart.
Life Outside Court
Ralph Cook married Charlsie Davis. She was also from Jefferson County. Together, they had three children: two daughters and one son.
