Leon Clarence McCord

Leon Clarence McCord (June 21, 1878 – February 11, 1952) was a United States federal judge.

Born in Conyers, Georgia, McCord attended Vanderbilt University and read law to enter the bar in 1900. He was in private practice in Scottsboro, Alabama from 1900 to 1903. He was a Secretary of the Supreme Court of Alabama from 1903 to 1909. He was in private practice in Montgomery, Alabama from 1910 to 1916. He was a State railroad commissioner, Alabama from 1911 to 1915. He was a judge on the Circuit Court, 15th Judicial Circuit of Alabama from 1916 to 1935. He was a Presiding judge from 1919 to 1935. He was a Democratic candidate for Governor of Alabama in 1934. McCord was in private practice in Montgomery, Alabama from 1935 to 1938.

McCord was a federal judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. McCord was nominated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on June 9, 1938 to a new seat created by 52 Stat. 584. He was confirmed by the United States Senate on June 15, 1938 and received his commission on June 24, 1938. He assumed senior status on February 26, 1951. McCord's served in that capacity until his death on February 11, 1952.

Judge McCord was the author of “I Believe in Man” (Harper & Bros., 1929). Inspired by McCord's experience judging criminal cases, the book features his short stories and vignettes in praise of civic virtues, and his belief in the importance of character development to successful citizenry.

Sources

• Leon Clarence McCord at the Biographical Directory of Federal Judges, a publication of the Federal Judicial Center.