Theodore McMillian facts for kids

Theodore McMillian (born January 28, 1919, died January 18, 2006) was a very important judge in the United States. He made history by becoming the first African American judge on the Missouri Court of Appeals. He was also the first African American to serve as a federal judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.

Early Life and Education

Theodore McMillian was born in St. Louis, Missouri. He worked hard in school to prepare for his future career.

College and Law School

He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Lincoln University in 1941. After serving in the United States Army from 1942 to 1946, he went to law school. He received his law degree from Saint Louis University School of Law in 1949.

Early Career as a Lawyer

After finishing law school, McMillian worked as a private lawyer in St. Louis from 1949 to 1953. He then became an assistant circuit attorney for the City of St. Louis, serving from 1953 to 1956.

A Judge in Missouri

Theodore McMillian spent many years serving as a judge in his home state of Missouri.

Circuit Court Judge

From 1956 to 1972, he was a judge for the Circuit Court in St. Louis. This was a very important role where he heard many different types of cases.

Missouri Court of Appeals

In 1972, Governor Warren E. Hearnes appointed him to the Eastern Division of the Missouri Court of Appeals. This was a big step, as he was the first African American to serve on this court. He continued in this role until 1978.

Teaching and Community Work

Besides his work as a judge, McMillian also taught at universities. He was an associate professor at the University of Missouri from 1970 to 1972. He also taught at the National College of Juvenile Justice at the University of Nevada, Reno. He was also involved in many community groups. He helped lead organizations like the Human Development Corporation and the Urban League.

Federal Judicial Service

In 1978, Theodore McMillian was chosen to become a judge for the United States federal court system.

Appointment to the Eighth Circuit

President Jimmy Carter nominated him on August 3, 1978. He was nominated to a seat on the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. This court hears appeals from federal courts in several states, including Missouri. The United States Senate approved his nomination on September 22, 1978. He officially became a judge on September 23, 1978.

Senior Status and Legacy

Judge McMillian served on the Eighth Circuit for many years. On July 1, 2003, he took senior status. This means he continued to work as a judge but with a reduced caseload. His service ended on January 18, 2006, when he passed away in St. Louis. Theodore McMillian's career was very important because he broke barriers for African Americans in the legal field.

See also

• List of African-American jurists