Robert T. Johnson (lawyer) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Robert T. Johnson
Justice of the New York Supreme Court
Incumbent
Assumed office January 1, 2016
Bronx County District Attorney
In office January 1, 1989 – December 31, 2015
Preceded by	Paul Gentile
Succeeded by	Darcel Clark
Personal details
Born	Robert Thomas Johnson 1948 (age 76–77) The Bronx, New York City, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Education	City College of New York BA) New York University (JD)
Military service
Branch/service	United States Navy

Robert Thomas Johnson (born 1948) is an American lawyer and judge. He currently serves as a justice on the New York State Supreme Court in the Bronx. Before this, he was a judge in the New York City Criminal Court. He also served for a long time as the Bronx County District Attorney in New York City.

Early Life and Education

Robert Johnson was born in the Bronx, a part of New York City. He grew up in the Amsterdam Houses, which are public housing buildings in Manhattan.

He attended James Monroe High School. After high school, he joined the United States Navy in 1968.

Later, he went to the City College of New York. He earned a bachelor's degree in philosophy from there. In 1975, he finished his law studies at the New York University School of Law.

Starting His Legal Career

After law school, Robert Johnson began working as a defense attorney. He worked for the Legal Aid Society. This organization helps people who cannot afford a lawyer.

In 1986, Mayor Edward Koch appointed Johnson as a judge. He became a judge in the New York City Criminal Court. Later, he also served as an acting justice for the New York State Supreme Court.

Serving as Bronx County District Attorney

In 1988, Robert Johnson decided to run for Bronx County District Attorney. A District Attorney is a lawyer who represents the government. They decide whether to bring criminal charges against people.

Johnson won the primary election for the Democratic party. He was then elected without anyone running against him. This made him the first African-American District Attorney in New York State. He was re-elected six times.

In 2005, he became the longest-serving Bronx County District Attorney. During his time, his office faced challenges. These included managing many cases and improving trial outcomes.

A Legal Disagreement with the Governor

In 1996, there was a disagreement between Johnson and Governor George Pataki. This was about how to handle a very serious case. Johnson believed he should have the time to decide the best legal approach.

Governor Pataki wanted to take the case away from Johnson. Johnson argued that he had the right to handle the case. He even sued the Governor to keep his authority.

A court later supported the Governor's decision. However, the main issue of the dispute ended when the person involved died. Other people connected to the case were later found responsible.

Leaving the District Attorney's Office

In 2015, Johnson decided to leave his role as District Attorney. He had plans to become a New York State Supreme Court justice. This move was part of a plan to help choose his replacement.

He won the primary election for District Attorney without opposition. A week later, he announced his desire to become a judge. He then resigned from his District Attorney position.

Because of the timing, the local Democratic Party chose his replacement. Darcel Clark was chosen to run for District Attorney. She won the election easily in the heavily Democratic Bronx.

Joining the New York Supreme Court

Robert Johnson began his term as a justice on the New York Supreme Court in 2016. His term is set to end in 2030.

However, New York law requires judges to retire by age 70. Johnson will need to retire from his elected term by the end of 2018. After that, he can continue serving as a senior judge. This allows him to stay in office for additional two-year periods.

Personal Life

Robert Johnson is married to Dianne T. Renwick. She is also a judge. She serves as an Acting Presiding Justice. She works for the New York State Supreme Court, Appellate Division, First Department.

Johnson used to live in the Fordham, Bronx area. In 1994, he moved to a different house in the Bronx. This area is near Pelham and Pelham Bay Park.