James Lawrence Irving (February 16, 1935 – November 20, 2024) was a United States district judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of California.
J. Lawrence Irving | |
|---|---|
| Judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of California | |
| In office July 28, 1982 – December 31, 1990 | |
| Appointed by | Ronald Reagan |
| Preceded by | Edward Joseph Schwartz |
| Succeeded by | Irma Elsa Gonzalez |
| Personal details | |
| Born | James Lawrence Irving[1] February 16, 1935 San Diego, California, U.S. |
| Died | November 20, 2024 (aged 89) Coronado, California, U.S. |
| Spouse | Evelyn Johnson[2] |
| Education | University of Southern California (BS, LLB) |
| Military service | |
| Branch/service | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1954–1956 |
Life and career
editEarly life and education
editIrving was born in San Diego, California, on February 16, 1935.[2] He was in the United States Army from 1954 to 1956. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Southern California in 1959 and a Bachelor of Laws from the USC Gould School of Law in 1963. He was in private practice in San Diego from 1963 to 1982.[3]
Federal judicial service
editOn July 15, 1982, Irving was nominated by President Ronald Reagan to a seat on the United States District Court for the Southern District of California vacated by Judge Edward Joseph Schwartz. Irving was confirmed by the United States Senate on July 28, 1982, and received his commission the same day. Irving served in that capacity until his resignation on December 31, 1990.[3]
Resignation
editIrving resigned due to a belief that federal mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines were unconstitutional and immoral. "If I remain on the bench I have no choice but to follow the law," he said. "I just can't, in good conscience, continue to do this".[4]
Death
editIrving died in Coronado, California, on November 20, 2024, at the age of 89.[5]
References
edit- ^ California Birth Index
- ^ a b Confirmation of federal judges : hearings before the Committee on the Judiciary, United States Senate, Ninety-seventh Congress, first session on the selection and confirmation of federal judges. pt.4 (1982)
- ^ a b J. Lawrence Irving at the Biographical Directory of Federal Judges, a publication of the Federal Judicial Center.
- ^ "Criticizing Sentencing Rules, U.S. Judge Resigns", The New York Times, September 30, 1990.
- ^ Former San Diego federal judge who later mediated Enron settlement dies at 89 San Diego Union Tribune
Sources
edit- J. Lawrence Irving at the Biographical Directory of Federal Judges, a publication of the Federal Judicial Center.