George N. Leighton

George N. Leighton
Born	October 22, 1912 (1912-10-22) New Bedford, Massachusetts, United States
Occupation	Retired judge

George Neves Leighton (born George Neves Leitão on October 22, 1912, in New Bedford, Massachusetts) is a retired African-American judge.

Personal life

Leighton was born George Neves Leitão, son of Ana Silva Garcia and António Neves Leitão, both originally from Brava, Cape Verde. His surname was anglicised as "Leighton" by a teacher who claimed she could not pronounce his last name "Leitão". His parents, wanting no problems for their son, agreed.

Leighton was married to the late Virginia Berry Quivers and has two daughters, Virginia Anne and Barbara Elaine. He is the grandfather of five and the great grandfather of six. He was a strong tournament chess player.

Career

Leighton graduated from Howard University with an A.B. in 1940 and from Harvard Law School with an LL.B. in 1946. From 1942-1945 he had served in the United States army, raising to the rank of Captain. He was in private practice from 1946-1964. During this time he served as Assistant State Attorney General of Illinois from 1949-1951. He was a Master in chancery, Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois from 1960 to 1964.

Leighton was a judge with the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois from 1964–1969, and was a judge with the First District Appellate Court of Illinois from 1969-1976. Judge Leighton was the first African-American to hold this position in the State of Illinois.

In 1975, President Gerald Ford nominated Leighton to a seat on the U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois. This was a seat being vacated by Abraham L. Marovitz. He was confirmed on February 2, 1976, and received commission on February 4, 1976. He retired from this position on November 30, 1987, and returned to the practice of law with the firm of Earl L. Neal & Associates.

Leighton became a Life Member in the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in 1964, having served the Chicago branch as president and general counsel for several years.

Quote

“

The average Hispanic, the average African-American, thinks when he walks into a courtroom where everyone is white besides him, he is convinced the judgment has already been entered against him. They aren't imagining things. There are many communities in America where the cards are stacked against minorities before the case is called. They are relieved when they walk in and see a member of their race sitting on the bench.

”

References

• Biographical Sketch of George N. Leighton
• Listing from American Inns of Court
• Listing from the History Makers
• Biographical Sketch
• George N. Leighton at the Biographical Directory of Federal Judges, a public domain publication of the Federal Judicial Center.