Judge Richard Conway Casey, R.I.P.
The Honorable Richard Conway Casey, of the Southern District of New York, passed away yesterday. He was well-known for being the first blind person to be named a federal trial judge. (Appeals court judge David Tatel, of the D.C. Circuit, was the first blind federal judge.)
An amusing anecdote about Judge Casey, from the AP:
Judge Richard Conway Casey recalls the time he accidentally bumped into a courtroom wall at the beginning of a mob trial. Lawyers and spectators shifted uncomfortably - for just a moment."You're fired!" Casey, 68, told his law clerk, who had accompanied him. "Bring back my guide dog!"
The courtroom burst into laughter.
We extend our condolences to Judge Casey's family and to his extended family of former law clerks.
Richard C. Casey bio [FJC]
Richard C. Casey [Wikipedia]
Blind Federal Judge an Inspiration [Associated Press]
(11) Comments
OH MY GOSH. :(
He was blind, yet still able to be a judge. Loyola 2L has sight, yet he can only hope to be a service dog of some sort.
Sounds like he was a hell of a guy. Rest in peace, your honor.
He was a wonderful man and a very fine judge. My condolences go out to his family, his chambers and Barney (a beautiful, smart black lab) who hung out with him a lot.
He had a great personal presence (he could have come out of central casting) and was, not least of all, a truly devoted sports fan. What a sad loss.
2:53 - was that really necessary?
Very sad. I used to see Barney in the courthouse elevators and it made my day.
3:37 - Yes.
here's an article about the judge;s death:
http://www.amny.com/news/local/wire/ny-bc-ny--obit-casey0323mar23,0,4609523.story?coll=ny-ap-regional-wire
Just curious... what happens to the Judge's incoming clerks? Does the new appointee usually hire them?
Judge Casey loved the NY Giants. Every year right b/f the football season began, we'd have one of those "Da Bears" type discussions about what a great year the Giants were going to have. I will really miss it this Fall.
RIP. You will be missed Judge C.