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 on April 29, 1944, was an important judge in Alabama. He served as a justice on the highest court in Alabama, called the Supreme Court of Alabama. He was a justice from 1993 to 2001. Governor Jim Folsom Jr. chose him for this important role.
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Ralph Cook's Early Life
Ralph Cook grew up in Jefferson County, Alabama. He was one of three children. His parents, Joe and Nannie Cook, ran a cleaning business in Bessemer.
Education and Teaching Career
Ralph Cook worked hard in school. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Tennessee State University. Later, he received his law degree, called a Juris Doctor, from Howard University School of Law.
After finishing his education, 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.
In 1973, he returned to Alabama. He became a deputy district attorney. This job meant he helped the government with legal cases. He also taught at Miles Law School. In 1976, he became the dean of the law school. A dean is like the head of a school or department. He served as dean until 1990.
Judicial Career
Ralph Cook made history in his judicial career. He was the first Black person elected as a state district judge in Jefferson County, Alabama. This is the largest county in the state. He served in this role for four and a half years.
After that, he became the first Black person elected to the circuit court for the same county. A circuit court handles more serious legal cases.
Serving on the Supreme Court
In November 1993, Ralph Cook was sworn in as a justice of the state supreme court. This is the highest court in Alabama. In November 1994, he ran for election to a full term on the court. Running as a Democrat, he won against his Republican opponent, Mark Montiel.
However, in 2000, he ran for reelection again. This time, he was defeated by Republican challenger Lyn Stuart. His term on the Supreme Court ended in 2001.
Personal Life
Ralph Cook married Charlsie Davis. She was also from Jefferson County. Together, they had two daughters and one son.
