[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 123 (Wednesday, September 16, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S10448]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE C. CLYDE ATKINS

 Mr. GRAHAM. Mr. President, I join the citizens of South 
Florida in celebrating the distinguished career of Federal Judge C. 
Clyde Atkins, a man held in the highest esteem by his peers in the 
community and within the legal profession.
  Born in Washington, D.C., Judge Atkins began his legal career when he 
attended the University of Florida where his law studies--which he 
supported by working at campus jobs--earned him a legal degree in 1936. 
He practiced law in Stuart, Florida before moving to Miami where his 
distinguished legal performance was highly recognized. He served as 
President of the Dade County Bar Association from 1953 to 1954, and as 
President of the Florida Bar Association in 1960.
  In 1966, he was appointed a United States District Judge for the 
Southern District of Florida, having been nominated by President Lyndon 
Johnson. He served as Chief Judge from 1977 to 1982, during which time 
he was appointed by United States Supreme Court Chief Justice Burger as 
Chairman of the Judicial Conference Committee on Operation of the Jury 
System. Additionally, President Jimmy Carter appointed him a member of 
the National Commission for the Review of Antitrust Laws and 
Procedures, on which he served from 1978 to 1979. In his present 
position on the federal bench, Judge Atkins has served 32 outstanding 
years, longer than anyone there presently.
  Integrity and fairness are words synonymous with the characteristics 
and judicial talents Judge Atkins has exhibited in serving the public. 
He is particularly credited with ending segregation in Dade County's 
schools; preserving the rights of the homeless; vigorously upholding 
the tenets of free speech; and granting the equal treatment of 
refugees. As an affirmation of his legal acumen, the University of 
Miami School of Law established the C. Clyde Atkins Moot Court Series, 
where law students are able to hone their own legal talents.
  A driven and conscientious worker, Judge Atkins has been highly 
praised by his colleagues and associates, and has garnered the highest 
respect from within and beyond the legal community. He has been 
recognized by numerous community organizations, especially the Catholic 
Church to which he has held a strong and abiding devotion during his 
lifetime. Judge Atkins has been President of the St. Augustine Diocesan 
Union of Holy Name Societies and President of the Miami Archdiocesan 
Council of Catholic Men, as well as receiving the National Conference 
of Christians and Jews Outstanding Catholic Award. He has been honored 
by the Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith and the Greater Miami 
Jewish Federation awarded him with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
  Amidst these impressive accomplishments, I believe that Judge Atkins 
would cite his 61 year marriage to the former Esther Castillo as the 
most cherished, treasured, and important part of his life. Together, as 
lifetime partners, they raised three children and have enjoyed the 
pleasures of grandparenting, as much as my wife Adele and I have.
  Mr. President, I join all those who honor Judge Atkins for his 
lifetime of commitment to the people of our state. His competence, 
unswerving integrity and devotion to the bench, his mild and gentle 
manner, and his consummate respect for the law have given the people of 
Florida a person who serves as a role model for all to emulate.
  We cherish his service and wish him well as he continues to provide 
judicial leadership and inspiration to future generations.

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