[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 14]
[Senate]
[Page 19200]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          TRIBUTE TO THE HON. CHARLES R. ``RANDY'' BUTLER, JR.

 Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, I will to make some remarks today 
about a very valuable public servant, Judge Charles R. ``Randy'' 
Butler, Jr., U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of Alabama.
  Judge Butler was born in New York. He earned a B.A. degree from 
Washington and Lee University in 1962, and a law degree from the 
University of Alabama School of Law in 1966. He served as an assistant 
public defender for Mobile County, Alabama, from 1969 to 1971; as 
district attorney for Mobile County from 1971 to 1975; and, he was 
engaged in the private practice of law in Mobile from 1975 until 
October 15, 1988, when he was appointed by President Ronald Reagan as a 
U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of Alabama. He served as 
chief judge from July 9, 1994 to February 20, 2003, and served on the 
Judicial Conference, the principal policy-making body for the Federal 
court system, from 1999 through 2003.
  As the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama from 1981 
until 1992, I had the opportunity to practice before Judge Butler and 
saw first hand that his experience gained from having been a former 
prosecutor, a former public defender, and a former private practitioner 
were extremely valuable to him.
  During several years of Judge Butler's service, the Court was 
understaffed by one or more judges. During this time, Judge Butler 
worked very hard not only handling his own caseload, but handling a 
great deal of extra work caused by the shortage. While doing all of 
that, he also found time for the many demanding duties of his position 
as chief judge and as a member of the Judicial Conference of the United 
States.
  In describing his service to the Southern District, I would like to 
quote from his letter of nomination for the 2003 Judicial Award of 
Merit, which he received: ``Despite the overwhelming demands on his 
time, Judge Butler worked tirelessly to reasonably maintain the civil 
and criminal docket of the Court. Judge Butler routinely held hearings 
on criminal matters before civil trials commenced, during his lunch 
hour, and after civil trials concluded for the day. As Chief Judge, 
Judge Butler further worked to improve the administrative efficiency 
and user-friendliness of the Court. During his tenure, court rooms have 
been updated with cutting edge trial presentation technology.
  ``All the while, Judge Butler has served with the dignity and decorum 
deserving of our Federal courts and he has given his undivided and 
thoughtful attention the myriad and varied matters routinely presented 
to him.''
  Judge Butler brought a natural courtesy to the courtroom that made 
all feel at ease. While he was a strong judge who never, ever lost 
control of his courtroom, his ease of manner facilitated a courtroom 
atmosphere most conducive to fair outcomes. His strong faith and 
character reflect the essence of who he is. He was raised right and his 
faith has deepened over the years. While he routinely imposes sentences 
according to the guidelines on wrongdoers, he is compassionate and felt 
for those he sentenced. Indeed, he is an active backer of his wife, 
Jacque, and her faith-based outreach to women prisoners and their 
families. They are active Episcopalians and strong believers that every 
human being is precious and worthy of compassion.
  I also have been pleased and proud to watch Judge Butler's active and 
important leadership role on the Judicial Conference of the United 
States. He has served as a member and on its executive committee. Judge 
Butler's experience in a wide variety of trials and his personal 
knowledge of a working courtroom have been most valuable to the 
Judicial Conference.
  Finally, I would like to commend him for his stewardship of and 
leadership of my courthouse and its remarkable family. For many years, 
the court family, in which I include the Magistrates, the Clerk, the 
Probation Officers, and the security personnel, has worked together 
closely and harmoniously over the years, committed always to the 
highest ideals. Judge Butler inherited an excellent court family and 
has raised their teamwork for justice to an even higher level. I wish 
all courts could operate so harmoniously. The U.S. District Court for 
the Southern District of Alabama has a proud record of integrity, 
industry, legal skill and collegiality. Judge Butler has been an 
outstanding judge under some demanding circumstances. His dedication 
and commitment to duty have greatly benefitted this court.
  My appreciation and respect for the service of Judge Butler is 
unbounded. He has served the people of the United States and the rule 
of law with fairness and integrity. I am glad that he remains fit and 
active. While he deserves to catch his breath, I am sure that he will 
continue to reward the citizens of this great country by carrying an 
active caseload. That will be a blessing indeed.
  On March 28, 2005, Judge Butler took senior status and on June 17, 
2005, his portrait presented by the Mobile Bar Association, was 
unveiled in the ceremonial courtroom of the John A. Campbell Courthouse 
in Mobile, Alabama. I was honored to have a place on that 
program.

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