For Immediate Release Thursday, January 29, 2009
Respected Libertarian Superior Court Judge steps down after 25 year career
WASHINGTON, D.C. — America’s third-largest party congratulates Libertarian Judge Jim Gray on his retirement from the California Superior Court, Libertarian National Committee Chairman William Redpath announced Thursday.
‘Libertarians thank Judge Jim Gray for his decades of public service,’ said Redpath. ‘Because of his commitment to good law, California is a better and safer place to live. We congratulate him on his retirement from the bench and look forward to his future endeavors promoting liberty.’
Gray was appointed to the Santa Ana Municipal Court in 1983 by Governor George Deukmejian. In 1989 Deukmejian appointed Gray to the Superior Court. A Libertarian, Gray was the party’s candidate for United States Senate in 2004.
He has served as a member of the California Department of Alcohol and Drug Program’s Drinking Driving Program Advisory Committee, was co-founder of the “Drive Alive” program to deter teens from drunk driving, worked with the “Stay In School” program at local high schools and was a co-founder of BLAST (Bert Blyleven Leagues, After School Time,) a program providing children with after school athletics and recreation.
Gray also help found the Association of Former U.S. Attorneys, and founded the William P. Gray/Legion Lex Inn of Court in conjunction with USC Law School. Named for his father, a respected federal judge, the program teaches ethics, education, and professionalism to judges and lawyers.
Prior to taking the bench, Gray served as a staff judge advocate and criminal defense attorney in the Navy JAG Corps. He was awarded a National Defense Ribbon, a Vietnam Service Ribbon, and a Combat Action Ribbon during his tour of duty. Gray later served as federal prosecutor in Los Angeles and a civil litigation attorney in a private law firm.
A respected jurist and public servant, Gray’s Jan. 24 retirement party was attended by Libertarian, Republican and Democratic officials.
Gray is also known for his work in reforming drug prohibition laws, aimed at breaking up street gangs and organized crime, and making communities safer.
The Libertarian Party is America’s third-largest political party, founded in 1971 as an alternative to the two main political parties. You can find more information on the Libertarian Party by visiting www.LP.org . The Libertarian Party proudly stands for smaller government, lower taxes and more freedom.
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