HISTORY AND PURPOSE
About the San Diego Criminal Justice Memorial
A memorial directory honoring deceased judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys who advanced criminal justice in San Diego County.
San Diego Criminal Justice Memorial
Honoring those who advanced criminal justice in San Diego County
The San Diego Criminal Justice Memorial preserves the history of distinguished members of the bench and bar who are no longer with us, and recognizes their contributions to criminal justice in San Diego County.
Our purpose was to create a remembrance of the judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys who significantly contributed to the San Diego County criminal justice system. They are part of the rich tradition and proud heritage of our community’s bench and bar. We acknowledge them for their contributions, dedication, and service. We do so to inspire present and future generations to honorable service in our adversary system. The current generation, and those to come, stand on the shoulders of the accomplishments of these fine honorees. Their dedicated participation in the justice system helped make our court system the envy of the world.
In eliciting truth and protecting constitutional rights, our system is second to none. These honorees understood that due process fairness is essential to a criminal justice system. They knew that the promises of our magnificent constitution could only be made real by daily labor in the courts of justice. They understood that our civilization would be judged by the manner in which it enforced its criminal laws, and that it required diligent lawyers and judges to do so properly.
The justice system and its participants are mutually self-defining: where there are no lawyers, there are no laws, and where there are no laws, there are no lawyers. It is altogether fitting we recognize those whose lives and service helped fulfill the Constitution’s noble promises of “due process” and “equal justice under the law.” While we live, they will be remembered.
The San Diego Criminal Justice Memorial, located on the 11th floor of San Diego Central Courthouse.
A HISTORY OF RECOGNITION
A memorial to stand the test of time
In 2006, a volunteer committee, headed by Judge William Enright and Peter J. Hughes, began this remembrance tradition. The first installation of honorees took place in a ceremony in 2007. The Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court, Ronald M. George, dedicated the large granite plaque of remembrance located on the 11th floor of the Central Courthouse. A duplicate plaque is located in the foyer of the Edward J. Schwartz United States Courthouse (pictured), named after honoree Hon. Edward J. Schwartz. Each plaque lists the names of those honored for their contributions.
Since then, members of San Diego Criminal Justice Memorial Committee have worked together to select the honorees via a peer-review process. Names of honorees are then permanently added to the two granite remembrances. In fact, San Diego is only the second city in California to create such a memorial. Installation ceremonies have been held in 2011, 2014, 2017, 2020, and 2023, and our work continues. today The San Diego Criminal Justice Memorial preserves the history of distinguished members of the bench and bar who are no longer with us, and recognizes their contributions to criminal justice in San Diego County.
Honorees are included on plaques at the state and federal courthouses in downtown San Diego, and their biographies are maintained here as a public record for the legal community and the broader public.
The San Diego Criminal Justice Memorial is also located at the Edward J. Schwartz United States Courthouse.
What we do
How the Memorial serves the community
We maintain an accessible, historical record of those honored and provide transparency into how honorees are selected.
Preserve biographies
Maintain individual biography pages that document professional contributions and community service.
Recognize honorees publicly
Ensure honorees are remembered through courthouse plaques and a permanent online directory.
Support a fair process
Provide a clear selection process and committee oversight to guide each honoree class.
Share local legal history
Offer a centralized resource for learning about the people and institutions that shaped criminal justice in San Diego County.
About the Memorial
Common questions about the purpose, recognition, and timing of honoree classes.
Who is honored by the Memorial?
Deceased judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys who significantly contributed to criminal justice in San Diego County.
How often are honorees selected?
The Memorial Committee selects honorees every three years.
Where are honorees recognized?
Honorees are included on plaques at the state and federal courthouses in downtown San Diego, and their biographies are published on this website.
How can I learn about the selection process?
Visit the Selection Process page for a detailed description of how nominees are identified and selected.
Can I contact the committee?
Yes. Please use the Contact page to send a message or request information.
Are the 2026 honorees available yet?
Not yet. The 2026 honorees will be announced once the committee finalizes the next class.