Villanueva, Charles E.

English

Seton Hall University Libraries

1995 TRIBUTE TO JUSTICE JAMES H. COLEMAN, JR.TRIBUTETOTHE HONORABLE JAMES H. COLEMAN, JR.Honorable Charles E. Villanueva*I am privileged to be one of those participating in this dedication. Asa member of the last panel of the Appellate Division where Judge (nowJustice) James R. Coleman, Jr. was the presiding judge, I can vouch for hisdedication to the judiciary, the bar, and the public.We all know that Justice Coleman rose from a childhood in segregatedVirginia where education and other opportunities were separate and notequal. That did not deter him from his goal of obtaining an education anddoing things to improve society, not only for African-Americans, but allpeople.In addition to possessing a strong command and knowledge of the law,Justice Coleman has all the qualities that a judge should hold: patience,compassion, strong work ethic, well prepared, consensus builder,faithfulness, diligence, impartiality, and integrity. The Justice is dignified,courteous, scholarly, articulate, and family minded. Justice Coleman is ajudge who inspires lawyers to work harder and do better without ever raisinghis voice. Justice Coleman's character serves, and will continue to serve, asa beacon to lawyers and laypeople.Justice Coleman has had a varied career in private practice and ingovernment, including the Attorney General's office wherein he distinguishedhimself before he became a trial judge over twenty years ago. It was nowonder that this accomplished lawyer quickly became a notable trial andappellate judge and now a justice of the Supreme Court of New Jersey. TheJustice decides matters on a case-by-case basis following the law. JusticeColeman firmly believes in construing legislation to follow the legislativeintent "if he can determine it." His eloquence is that of simplicity andclarity.Justice Coleman has well earned the honors that have been bestowedupon him, including his appointment to the Supreme Court of New Jersey.The State and its citizens will be well served by his being a member of thisprestigious court.'Judge, Superior Court of New Jersey, Appellate Division.340 CONSTITUTIONAL LAW JOURNAL Vol. 5

Tribute to the Honorable James H. Coleman, Jr.

https://scholarship.shu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1111&context=con_law

Tribute to the Honorable James H. Coleman, Jr.

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