Fifth Circuit Four

Fifth Circuit Four

The term "Fifth Circuit Four" refers to a group of four influential judges who served on the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit during the 1960s and 1970s. These judges played a pivotal role in shaping civil rights jurisprudence in the United States, particularly in the Southern states, during a period of significant social and legal change.

Historical Context

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, at the time, had jurisdiction over six Southern states: Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. This region was a focal point of the civil rights movement, and the court was often called upon to adjudicate cases involving racial segregation, voting rights, and other civil rights issues.

The Judges

The "Fifth Circuit Four" consisted of the following judges:

• Elbert Tuttle
• John Minor Wisdom
• John R. Brown
• Richard Rives

These judges were known for their courage and commitment to enforcing the United States Constitution and the Civil Rights Act of 1964, often in the face of significant local opposition.

Elbert Tuttle

Elbert Tuttle served as the Chief Judge of the Fifth Circuit from 1960 to 1967. He was instrumental in enforcing desegregation orders and ensuring that the mandates of the Supreme Court of the United States were implemented in the South.

John Minor Wisdom

John Minor Wisdom was known for his eloquent opinions and his strong stance on civil rights. His decisions helped dismantle the legal framework of segregation in the South.

John R. Brown

John R. Brown served as Chief Judge from 1967 to 1979. He was a key figure in the enforcement of civil rights laws, particularly in cases involving school desegregation and voting rights.

Richard Rives

Richard Rives was known for his progressive rulings and his dedication to justice and equality. He played a significant role in the court's civil rights decisions.

Impact on Civil Rights

The Fifth Circuit Four were instrumental in advancing civil rights in the United States. Their decisions helped to dismantle the Jim Crow laws and paved the way for greater racial equality. They faced significant opposition, including threats and criticism, but remained steadfast in their commitment to justice.

Legacy

The legacy of the Fifth Circuit Four is profound. They are remembered for their courage and their unwavering commitment to the rule of law. Their work laid the foundation for subsequent civil rights advancements and set a standard for judicial integrity and independence.

See Also

• Civil Rights Movement
• Brown v. Board of Education
• Voting Rights Act of 1965

References

• Bass, Jack. *Unlikely Heroes: The Dramatic Story of the Southern Judges of the Fifth Circuit Who Translated the Supreme Court's Brown Decision into a Revolution for Equality*. University of Alabama Press, 1990.
• Tushnet, Mark. *The NAACP's Legal Strategy against Segregated Education, 1925-1950*. University of North Carolina Press, 1987.