[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 87 (Monday, July 6, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S7354]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO JUDGE MAURICE H. RICHARDSON

  Mr. KENNEDY. Madam President, I welcome this opportunity to recognize 
the valuable service given to Massachusetts by our state District Court 
Judge Maurice H. Richardson, who retired in June after serving the 
citizens of Norfolk County with great distinction for nearly a quarter 
century.
  Judge Richardson dedicated his career in the law to serving the 
people of our state. As a judge he applied the law with great wisdom 
and compassion. He was well known for his ability to distinguish 
between hardened, habitual criminals and those who could take advantage 
of opportunities for rehabilitation. He encouraged many to seek 
counseling, enter a drug or alcohol treatment program, or take other 
steps to put their lives and their families back together.
  During his years on the bench, Judge Richardson was also a skillful 
and tireless advocate for mental health. For many years he presided 
over mental health commitment hearings for several Massachusetts 
facilities. He was dedicated to finding the most effective assistance 
for the mentally ill, and often worked closely with doctors, patients 
and their families.
  Judge Richardson also took the lead in the state judicial system and 
state legislature to improve the way the mentally ill and the mentally 
retarded are treated by the state courts, and his efforts enhanced the 
quality of life for countless individuals and their families.
  Judge Richardson has earned well-deserved recognition for his 
leadership and his achievements. Throughout his distinguished career, 
he received numerous awards, including the District Court Award for 
Judicial Excellence from the Massachusetts Judges' Conference, the 
Annual Award from the Bar Association of Norfolk County, and the 
Commissioners Award from the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health.
  I am sure that my colleagues join me in commending Judge Richardson 
for his distinguished service. We congratulate him on his extraordinary 
career and we extend our warmest wishes to Judge Richardson and his 
family on his retirement.

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