Barrington D. Parker
An academic exploration of the distinguished career and contributions of a former United States District Judge for the District of Columbia.
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Biographical Overview
Early Life and Education
Barrington Daniels Parker was born in Rosslyn, Virginia, on November 17, 1915. His father served as the dean of the now-defunct Terrell Law School in Washington, D.C. Parker received his foundational education at Dunbar High School in Washington, D.C. He pursued higher education at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics in 1936. He continued his academic pursuits at the University of Pennsylvania, obtaining a Master of Arts degree in 1938, before completing his legal studies at the University of Chicago Law School, where he received his Juris Doctor in 1947.[1]
Legal Foundation
Parker's academic background provided a robust foundation for his legal career. His undergraduate studies in economics and subsequent master's degree suggest an early interest in the societal and economic implications of law. His legal education at the University of Chicago, a highly regarded institution, equipped him with the analytical and jurisprudential skills necessary for a distinguished career in the federal judiciary.
Lifespan and Legacy
Judge Parker lived from November 17, 1915, to June 2, 1993. His passing occurred in Silver Spring, Maryland, at the age of 77. His tenure on the federal bench left a notable mark on the District of Columbia's legal landscape, characterized by significant cases and a commitment to justice.
Professional Trajectory
Appointment to the Federal Bench
Barrington D. Parker was nominated by President Richard Nixon to serve as a United States District Judge for the District of Columbia. This pivotal appointment occurred on September 15, 1969, filling a vacancy left by Judge Joseph Charles McGarraghy. The United States Senate confirmed his nomination on December 18, 1969, and he officially received his commission the following day, December 19, 1969.
Senior Status
Demonstrating continued dedication and expertise, Judge Parker assumed senior status on December 19, 1985. This transition allowed him to reduce his caseload while continuing to contribute significantly to the court's work. He maintained this status until his death in 1993, serving the judiciary with distinction for over two decades.
Federal Judicial Service
Tenure and Impact
Judge Parker's service on the United States District Court for the District of Columbia spanned from December 19, 1969, to June 2, 1993. During this extensive period, he presided over numerous cases, contributing to the development of federal jurisprudence. His role as a district judge involved adjudicating a wide array of legal matters, from criminal trials to civil disputes, within one of the nation's most significant federal jurisdictions.
Barrington Daniels Parker | |
---|---|
Senior Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia | |
In office December 19, 1985 โ June 2, 1993 |
|
Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia | |
In office December 19, 1969 โ December 19, 1985 |
|
Appointed by | Richard Nixon |
Preceded by | Joseph Charles McGarraghy |
Succeeded by | Royce Lamberth |
Personal details | |
Born |
Barrington Daniels Parker November 17, 1915 Rosslyn, Virginia, U.S.
|
Died |
June 2, 1993 (aged 77) Silver Spring, Maryland, U.S.
|
Children | Barrington D. Parker Jr. |
Education |
Lincoln University (BA) University of Pennsylvania (MA) University of Chicago Law School (JD) |
His judicial philosophy and specific rulings contributed to the body of law within his jurisdiction. The transition to senior status allowed him to continue his valuable contributions while potentially dedicating more time to complex cases or mentorship.
Notable Cases and Rulings
The John Hinckley Jr. Trial
Judge Parker presided over the highly publicized criminal trial of John Hinckley Jr., the individual who attempted to assassinate President Ronald Reagan in 1981. This case garnered significant national attention and involved complex legal and psychological issues, including Hinckley's defense of insanity. Parker's management of this high-profile trial underscored his capacity to handle sensitive and consequential legal proceedings.
Closure of High Security Unit
In a significant ruling, Parker ordered the closure of the High Security Unit (HSU) at the federal prison in Lexington, Kentucky. This unit housed specific female inmates in isolation, often based on political beliefs or affiliations. Judge Parker's decision was based on findings that the conditions and treatment within the HSU "skirted elemental standards of human decency," undermining inmate morale. He mandated that the Bureau of Prisons revise its regulations and integrate these prisoners into the general population, emphasizing principles of humane treatment and due process within the correctional system.[3][4]
Personal Life and Family
Familial Connections
Judge Barrington D. Parker's legacy extends to his family. His son, Barrington D. Parker Jr., followed in his footsteps and also became a distinguished jurist. The younger Parker serves as a senior judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, continuing a tradition of judicial service within the family.[2] This continuation highlights a commitment to the legal profession across generations.
Further Exploration
Related Topics
To gain a broader understanding of the context surrounding Judge Parker's career and background, consider exploring related areas of legal and social history:
- List of African-American federal judges
- List of African-American jurists
These resources provide valuable insights into the broader landscape of diversity and representation within the American judiciary.
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References
References
- Jan Susler, "The Women's High Security Unit in Lexington, KY", Yale Journal of Law and Liberation 31 (1989): 31-42.
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