[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 125 (Thursday, September 12, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1597]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING L. CLURE MORTON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BART GORDON

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 12, 1996

  Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor one of the great judicial 
minds in Tennessee's history, who has ruled from the bench without 
passion or prejudice, gaining the respect of not only his peers and 
colleague, but of the community in which he served. Earlier today it 
was my pleasure to introduce legislation, which has been cosponsored by 
all of my colleagues in the Tennessee delegation, that will designate 
the U.S. Post Office and Courthouse in Cookeville, TN, the ``L. Clure 
Morton Post Office and Court House.''
  Since his appointment to the bench in 1970 by President Richard 
Nixon, L. Clure Morton's career as a Federal judge has been 
distinguished by fairness, insight, innovation, and an iron grip on his 
courtroom. During his tenure, Judge Morton has never avoided 
controversial issues, addressing school integration, welfare, mental 
health systems, and prison reform.
  Following his graduation from our alma mater, the University of 
Tennessee School of Law, Judge Morton spent 33 years in private 
practice, during which he also began his years of public service as a 
special agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. His judicial 
career began in 1970 with his appointment as a U.S. District Court 
judge in Nashville. He was then elevated to chief judge in 1977, and 
took senior status in 1984 which he currently holds, presiding over the 
northeastern division.
  Earlier this year, Judge Morton decided to hang up his gavel and 
retire from the bench after 26 years. My bill will serve as a tribute 
to his undying commitment to make middle Tennessee a safer, fairer 
place. Though he will no longer preside over a courtroom, his presence 
will always be felt, having his name etched in stone at the Cookeville, 
Federal building.

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