[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 22 (Thursday, March 3, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 3, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                  TRIBUTE TO JUDGE CHARLES R. SCARLETT

                                 ______


                          HON. JULIAN C. DIXON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 3, 1994

  Mr. DIXON. Mr. Speaker, it is a personal honor to pay tribute to the 
Hon. Charles R. Scarlett, who recently retired as a judge of the Los 
Angeles Superior Court. On January 29, 1994, in Los Angeles, Judge 
Scarlett was feted at a testimonial dinner acknowledging over four 
decades of legal and judicial excellence to the community. In 
celebration of his distinguished career, I too am pleased to share just 
a few of his accomplishments with my colleagues.
  Charles Redmond Scarlett was born in 1924 in Greensboro, NC, to Dr. 
Henry Scarlett and Dr. Donnie Redmond Scarlett. He attended Morehouse 
College in Atlanta, GA, Lincoln University in Missouri, and received 
his undergraduate degree from Howard University, the historic training 
ground for many of our nation's African-American trailblazers.
  Following his graduation from Howard University, Judge Scarlett 
deferred his plan to attend law school and enlisted in the U.S. Marine 
Corps. He served in the Pacific during World War II and was honorably 
discharged in 1945.
  Judge Scarlett was the first African-American admitted to law school 
at Washington University in St. Louis, MO. He was a contributor to the 
law review and a member of the Nu Beta Epsilon legal fraternity. He 
graduated from law school in June, 1952, and was admitted to the 
Missouri Bar that same year. He passed the California Bar in 1953, and 
set course on a legal career as one of Los Angeles' first African-
American attorneys.
  As an attorney in private practice, Judge Scarlett handled hundreds 
of cases, both civil and criminal, developing a reputation as an 
outstanding litigator and negotiator. Some of his more renowned clients 
included entertainers James Brown and Little Richard. Two of his 
partners were former Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Earl C. Broady, 
Sr.--deceased--and Judge Robert L. Roberson, Jr. The law firm of 
Scarlett and Roberson was one of the first minority firms to handle 
personal injury defense work for the then-Southern California Rapid 
Transit District; the Los Angeles County Unified School District, and 
other private and public entities.
  In 1980, then-California Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr., appointed 
Scarlett to the Los Angeles County Superior Court bench. As a jurist, 
he has received the admiration and respect of both prosecutors and 
criminal defense attorneys for his intellect, judicial temperament, and 
his fairness. At retirement, he was assigned to the Inglewood Juvenile 
Court.
  Throughout his brilliant legal career, Judge Scarlett has 
consistently and willingly served as a role model for many young 
adults, including numerous aspiring attorneys. His door was always open 
to the many young lawyers who sought his advice and guidance. He 
established standards of excellence, followed them, and earned the high 
esteem of all who have had the privilege of knowing and working with 
him.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have this opportunity to further 
acknowledge the exemplary legal and judicial career of Judge Charles R. 
Scarlett. I congratulate him on his numerous contributions to the 
citizens of Los Angels, and ask my colleagues to join me in extending 
best wishes for continued success and happiness to him and his wife of 
41 years, Charmaine, and their family.

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