[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 67 (Wednesday, May 22, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E872]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    A TRIBUTE TO MONTEREY COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE RICHARD SILVER

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                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 21, 2002

  Mr. FARR of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life's 
work of Monterey County Superior Court Judge Richard Silver, 60, whose 
outstanding legal acumen has enriched society on the Central Coast for 
more than a quarter of a century.
  A graduate of the University of California's Boalt Hall School of 
Law, Judge Silver began his legal career as a defense lawyer with the 
Francis Heisler law firm. Among the cases that fueled his rise to 
prominence in the late 1960s was the Soledad Brothers prison-murder 
trial.
  At my urging, Gov. Jerry Brown appointed Judge Silver to the bench in 
1977. Judge Silver became known for his expertise and efficiency in 
handling civil cases. He developed a case management system that makes 
civil justice more swift in Monterey County than in almost any other 
California county.
  He also built a reputation for settling tough cases before they went 
to trial. And he became known for tackling contentious issues ranging 
from land use disputes to struggles between teachers and school 
districts.
  Among those who founded the Monterey College of Law, Judge Silver 
remains on its board of directors.
  Although he is stepping down from the bench, Judge Silver is likely 
to remain highly active in the local legal community, by settling 
disputes out of court as a private judge and arbitrator. For this, all 
of us who have come to know him over the years on the Central Coast 
will be very grateful.

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