I have just returned from my first meeting as a Trustee on the Board of Trustees of the Texas Supreme Court Historical Society. This organization was founded in January 1990 on the Sesquicentennial of the first session of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Texas, and the Society’s incorporation papers were filed with the Secretary of State by three former Chief Justices, Robert Calvert, Joe R. Greenhill and Jack Pope. It is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to the collection and preservation of papers, photographs and significant artifacts relating to the Supreme Court of Texas, the appellate courts and Texas judicial history. The organization seeks to raise public awareness about the judicial branch of government and its role in the development of Texas. . My first impression of this organization is “Wow!” I marveled at the fact I was sitting in the same room as some of the largest Texas legal legends in our time.
Chairman of the Board, Chief Justice Joe R. Greenhill, began the meeting with an interesting story about the swearing in of public officials. As Chief Justice, he swore in literally thousands of people and he sympathized with Chief Justice John Roberts’ mis-steps when swearing in President Obama. To his right was Chief Justice Jack Pope. On one of the topics of discussion, Chief Justice Pope gave a remarkable historical background leading the Board through the issues that had been previously tackled, saving the Board countless hours of study and discussion. Chief Justice Pope’s rendition on that topic reminded me how important it is for us to study our history to improve our future.
This organization was packed with some of the highest quality legal talent I’ve been around. I am honored to have been asked to serve on the Board of the Trustees of the Texas Supreme Court Historical Society, and while I pledge my best to make it a better organization, I am not sure my best can come close to matching up with these legal giants.