[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 1]
[Senate]
[Page 752]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                IN MEMORY OF WILLIAM MATTHEW BYRNE, JR.

 Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I would like to offer a few 
words in observance of the passing of U.S. District Judge William 
Matthew Byrne, Jr., a great legal mind and ambassador of justice who 
nobly served our country for over 30 years on the Federal bench.
  I extend my deepest sympathy to the family of Judge Byrne, his many 
friends and colleagues, and the members of the legal community 
everywhere who had come to know his talent and charm. A giant in his 
field, Judge Byrne tirelessly traveled the globe teaching and promoting 
the rule of law. His efforts touched countless individuals and left an 
immeasurable impact on legal systems on an international scale.
  After honorably serving our Nation in the U.S. Air Force and amassing 
an unparalleled 96 percent conviction record as a U.S. attorney in Los 
Angeles, Judge Byrne was named head of the Commission on Campus Unrest 
by President Nixon. As head of the Commission, Judge Byrne sought to 
bridge the growing cultural divide that had developed as a result of 
the war in Vietnam.
  The Commission's report revealed Judge Byrne's unassailable judgment 
and great courage. Bravely stepping into the middle of the fray, he 
found fault with students and police alike. Judge Byrne's work on the 
Commission played an important role in reuniting the country around our 
shared values. His contribution was recognized in 1971, when he was 
confirmed to a Federal judgeship at the age of 40, making him at that 
time the youngest man in America's history to rise to this prominent 
position.
  Although he dealt with many high-profile cases, Judge Byrne was most 
remembered for his courageous handling of the trial of Daniel Ellsberg, 
the man charged with releasing classified documents in the infamous 
Pentagon Papers case. The Government, he ruled, did not have a case, 
and a mistrial was declared.
  In a time of rampant government scandal and deep-seated corruption at 
the highest levels of power, Judge Byrne courageously stood up for his 
convictions, sending the powerful message that nobody was above the 
law.
  ``The totality of the circumstances in this case,'' Judge Byrne 
ruled, ``offend a sense of justice.'' It is for this sense of justice 
that Judge Byrne will always be remembered.
  Throughout his long and remarkable career, Judge Byrne distinguished 
himself as a man of sound jurisprudence, honor, and integrity. His 
lasting legacy of sensible legal adjudication serves as an inspiration 
to all Americans.
  Once again, my heart goes out to Judge Byrne's family and all those 
who knew him.
  He will truly be missed.

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