Byrne Remembers Chief Justice Perry Hooper, Sr.

Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL) today delivered a speech from the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in memory of former Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Perry Hooper, Sr.

Justice Hooper recently passed away at the age of 91. In 1994, Hooper became the first Republican elected to the Alabama Supreme Court since Reconstruction. The entire Supreme Court is now made up of Republicans.

A transcript of Congressman Byrne’s floor speech can be found below.

Byrne said: “Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the life and contributions of Chief Justice Perry Hooper, Sr., who passed away this past Sunday.

“Justice Hooper was born in Birmingham in 1925. He served our nation in the United States Marine Corps before attending the University of Alabama School of Law. He went on to be elected probate judge and later circuit judge in Montgomery County.

“His groundbreaking election as Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court in 1994 marked the first time a Republican had served on the Court since Reconstruction.

“Justice Hooper brought dignity and grace to the Supreme Court, along with his consummate professionalism. He raised the Court to a higher level.

“Whether you were a lawyer or a party, he treated you with respect and fairness.

“Most importantly, Justice Hooper understood that judges don’t make the law but decide cases with wisdom and fairness.

“So, on behalf of Alabama’s First Congressional District, I want to share my deepest sympathies with his wife, Marilyn, and his four sons. Justice Hooper will never be forgotten.

“I yield back.”