[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 72 (Thursday, June 8, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1052]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO JUDGE LEONARD PERRY EDWARDS II

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ANNA G. ESHOO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 7, 2006

  Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues Mr. Honda and Mr. Farr 
today to honor a distinguished American, Judge Leonard Perry Edwards 
II, who is retiring after nearly 25 years as a Judge of the Santa Clara 
County, California, Superior Court, and who served as Supervising Judge 
of the Juvenile Dependency Court from 1993 to 2005.
  Judge Edwards' excellence in public service mirrors that of his 
father, Congressman Don Edwards. He was born in Michigan, earned his 
B.A. from Wesleyan University and his J.D. from the University of 
Chicago. Before becoming a Judge he registered black voters in 
Mississippi during the Civil Rights movement, served in the Peace Corps 
in Malaysia, taught law in Norway, served as a Public Defender and 
practiced law. In 1981, he was appointed Superior Court Judge of the 
Santa Clara County Court by Governor Jerry Brown.
  Judge Edwards founded Child Advocates of Santa Clara and San Mateo 
Counties, Kids in Common, Juvenile Court Judges of California, Santa 
Clara County Domestic Violence Council, the Greenbook Project and the 
Forensic Human Services Certificate Program. He has held office in more 
than 25 professional organizations, and most recently served as 
President of the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges. 
He has received more than 40 national, state and local awards for his 
excellence and service, including the William H. Rehnquist Award for 
Judicial Excellence, given by the National Center for State Courts. He 
has published more than 40 articles and written two books, one with his 
wife, Inger J. Sagatun-Edwards. Judge Edwards has lectured in 43 states 
and eight foreign countries. His next career will be as a consultant 
for California's judicial system which will enable him to teach his 
innovative methods to judges around the State.
  Judge Edwards has earned the esteem of his colleagues and the 
admiration of the families to whom he has devoted his career. Because 
of his tenacity, his creativity, his compassion and his belief in 
others, thousands of families are now rehabilitated and functioning 
well.
  It is a special privilege for us to honor Judge Leonard Edwards and 
his extraordinary career, and we are proud to call him our friend. Mr. 
Speaker, we ask our colleagues to join us in honoring this great 
American who exemplifies the best in citizenship and whose career in 
jurisprudence sets the gold standard for our country. As Judge Leonard 
Edwards retires, he has the gratitude and respect of the entire House 
of Representatives. He has made our community and our country stronger 
and better through his leadership and public service.

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