Robert Takasugi
Robert Takasugi was a federal judge for the United States District Court for the Central District of California. Takasugi died on August 6, 2009 at age 78. Judge Takasugi was the first ever Japanese-American judge to be nominated to the federal bench.[1]
Early life and education
A native of Washington State, Takasugi graduated from the University of California-Los Angeles with his bachelor's degree in 1953 and later graduated from the University of Southern California Law School with his J.D. degree in 1959.[1]
Military service
Takasugi also served as a U.S. Army Corporal from 1953 to 1955.[1]
Professional career
Takasugi spent a majority of his legal career as a private practice attorney licensed in the State of California from 1960 to 1973. In addition to his private practice work, Takasugi served as a hearing examiner for the Los Angeles Police Commission from 1962 to 1965.[1]
Judicial career
Takasugi became a municipal court judge in the Los Angeles Municipal Court from 1973 to 1975 before serving on the Superior Court of Los Angeles County from 1975 to 1976.[1]
Central District of California
Takasugi was nominated by President Gerald Ford on April 14, 1976, to a seat vacated by Judge Elisha Crary as Crary died in judicial service. Takasugi was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on May 6, 1976, and received commission on May 7, 1976. Takasugi later assumed senior status on September 30, 1996.[1] Takasugi died on August 6, 2009.
Noteworthy cases
Patriot Act case
Judge Takasugi was one of the first federal judges to overturn a portion of the Patriot Act in 2002 that resulted in the removal of a grand jury indictment. The judge overturned the indictments of seven Los Angeles residents who were accused of fundraising for an Iranian opposition group listed as a terrorist organization by the State Department.[2]
Judge Takasugi reversed the indictments because the Patriot Act deprived the defendants of due-process rights because they were not given a chance to defend the allegations before their group was placed on the list.[2]
Judicial style
Throughout his judicial career, Judge Takasugi was known to have a calm demeanor when presiding cases, even in the face of some unusual moments in the courtroom. Many people have considered Judge Takasgui to be pro-defense, but earned the respect of both prosecuting and defense attorneys for how he handled himself in the courtroom. Takasugi was known to practice a careful form of judicial restraint, but earned a reputation for being pro-defense. Judge Takasugi also was vigilant of prosecutors overstepping their boundaries.[2]
See also
External links
Footnotes
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by: Elisha Crary |
Central District of California 1976–1996 Seat #3 |
Succeeded by: Carlos Moreno
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|---|---|---|---|
| 1974 |
Bauer • Bramwell • Cahn • Churchill • Clarke • Cook • Elfvin • Fitzgerald • Flaum • Gerry • Kirkland • Sessions • Torruella • Graafeiland | ||
| 1975 |
Brimmer • Brotman • Grady • Haden • Henley • Higginbotham • Kennedy • Leighton • McNagny • Meskill • O'Conor • Rogers • Shell • Siler • Stafford • Stevens • Thompson • Tjoflat • Wong | ||
| 1976 |
Ackerman • Anderson • Aronovitz • Broderick • Callister • Cohill • Copenhaver • Crowley • Davis • Fay • Goettel • Guy • Haight • Hall • Hill • Ingram • Manos • Munson • Poole • Pratt • Richey • Schwartz • Schwarzer • Sear • Sterling • Takasugi • Waters • Williams • Wood | ||
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State of California Sacramento (capital) |
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