[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 142 (Wednesday, November 19, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1634]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF JUSTICE MARVIN BAXTER

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                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 19, 2014

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleagues Mr. Nunes and 
Mr. Valadao to recognize Justice Marvin Baxter for his honorable 
service to the state of California. For decades, Justice Baxter served 
as a dedicated leader who willingly and unselfishly gave his time and 
talent to make our state a better place.
  Marvin Baxter was born in Fowler, California on January 9, 1940. He 
grew up on his family farm as a second generation American. All four of 
his grandparents emigrated from Armenia in the early twentieth century. 
After graduating from Fresno State, he went on to the University of 
California's Hastings School of Law, where he earned his law degree in 
1966.
  Justice Baxter began his lifelong career in law in 1967 as a Deputy 
District Attorney for Fresno County. Two years later, he continued on 
at a private practice focusing on civil law. Justice Baxter worked with 
the firm Andrews, Andrews, Thaxter, Jones & Baxter for 14 years before 
he moved back to public service acting as Appointments Secretary to 
Governor George Deukmejian. In that capacity, Mr. Baxter advised the 
Governor on judicial and executive appointments.
  After working in the Governor's office for five years, Mr. Baxter was 
appointed by Governor Deukmejian as Associate Justice of the California 
Court of Appeal for the Fifth District. In 1991, he was appointed 
Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of California. Subsequently, in 
2002, Justice Baxter was elected by the California voters to serve an 
additional 12 years as associate justice.
  Throughout his career, Justice Baxter has been a part of many 
landmark decisions. He is known amongst his peers for being straight-
forward and clear headed in the courtroom. Colleagues will miss the 
most senior Supreme Court justice for sound feedback they could 
regularly count on.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that Mr. Nunes, Mr. Valadao, 
and I ask our colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to 
recognize Justice Marvin Baxter for his service to the state of 
California. Although his time on the California Supreme Court has come 
to an end, Justice Baxter has made a lasting impression and we commend 
him for his hard work and dedication.

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