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A Collection of Memories
Edited by Judge Charles D. Susano, Jr.
Remembering United States District Judge Robert L. Taylor is an outstanding collection of memories about Judge Taylor written and edited by Judge Charles D. Susano, Jr, Court of Appeals of Tennessee. Judge Taylor served 35 years—1949 to 1985. He was a legendary jurist whose lore evolved not just because of his judicial ability, but because of his demeanor, his interaction with lawyers, his comments from the bench and his handling of trials.
Judge Taylor became the subject of many stories. This book is a collection of those stories, told by those who were there, those who experienced the practice of law in front of him and those who were closely associated with him as court employees, friends, or nearby observers. He had a near-obsession with keeping his court docket current. Much to the dislike of lawyers, he was noted for urging them to be brief, to keep their questions on point, not letting them, they felt, try their cases the way they preferred.
His fairness and judicial ability, however, were never in question. He was held in high regard by his fellow jurists and most lawyers, even many who had felt his wrath in the courtroom. There were no favorites; all lawyers were subject to being "jumped on" by Judge Taylor. Some might quibble with the manner in which, at times, he performed his judicial work, but no one could doubt that he was true to his oath of office.
Judge Susano, in 2005, decided to preserve the memories of Judge Taylor for future generations and solicited Judge Taylor stories from the membership of the Knoxville Bar Association. Judge Susano’s intent was neither to canonize nor vilify Judge Taylor, rather he was searching for truthful renditions of the "Judge Taylor" experience. And, the truthful renditions arrived from 112 individuals, whose names read like a Who’s Who of East Tennessee lawyers and judges from the Judge Taylor era. Judge Susano tells the reader that one might wonder how these senior practitioners, could be expected to remember things that happened so long ago. His answer is quite simple: When you experienced Judge Robert L. Taylor, the memory was seared forever in your consciousness.
This 224-page case bound book with full color dust jacket and photographs is a fascinating, entertaining and enlightening read for anyone who has an interest in the East Tennessee legal system or wants a refreshing look at unique and actual courtroom drama that is sometimes difficult to believe.
ISBN: 978-1-932604-62-7
Price: $19.95 plus shipping & handling
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