Honorees

Charles “Ted” Bumer

1923-1996

Charles “Ted” Bumer was born December 13, 1923. He left Kenyon College during World War II to join the Navy, where he served with the underwater demolition team. He earned his B.S. from Cornell and received his J.D. from George Washington University in 1949. He then re-enlisted in the Navy, received training in Coronado and served during the Korean War with the underwater demolition team.

He began to practice law as a sole practitioner in San Diego in 1953. During the Vietnam War, Ted represented political activists who were arrested for protesting the war and conditions in the country. His clients included activists from student groups, Black Panthers, Brown Berets, and women’s groups. Ted also represented many individuals in the military who faced court martials and administrative proceedings. In 1982, he represented the first person charged in Federal Court with violating the new registration law, Benjamin Sasway, who refused to register with the Selective Service System.   “In our history, we have made heroes of people who have looked the Government in the face and said no.” (quoting Bumer on his client’s stand behind his moral beliefs against the draft)

In 1991, Ted represented Dean Carter in a capital case. Carter was tried for rape and murder of as many as five women.  That same year, Bumer represented Navy Officer Robert Nydegger in a retrial of first-degree murder charges following a deadlocked first trial.

In her tribute, Mary E. Harvey wrote that Bumer “was a skillful and thoughtful (inventive) lawyer, and always, unfailingly, a gentleman.  His no fee cases, in those days [the 1960s], probably outnumbered his fee cases.  These cases ranged from questioning probable cause stops of van drivers with long hair, to complex cases of refusal to register for the draft, etc.”  She continued, he “acted on his profound belief in the constitutional rights of individuals.  He was witty, broadly read, fun and mentored countless young lawyers.”

Of his Black Panther clients, “60 Minutes” Producer and former editor of the underground San Diego Street Journal in the 1960s, Lowell Bergman stated that “Ted risked destroying his practice by representing rebels. But he never sought the limelight.”  “For years, Ted was one of the only attorneys in San Diego who would defend those doing unpopular things.  He was involved in a lot of high profile cases without taking a high-profile role.”  (SDUT Oct. 1, 1996).  He was a tenacious advocate for civil rights, and he wasn’t in it for the money.  (Id., citing Judge Frederic Link).  Between 1969 and 1973, there was rarely a day when he didn’t appear in a courtroom in San Diego County (making 450 appearances in 250 court days).

The National Lawyers Guild, of which Bumer was a proud member, recognized his life-long fight to protect constitutional rights liberties by creating the Charles T. Bumer Civil Libertarian Award to the Thomas Jefferson Law School student who best personifies the ideals to which he devoted his life.

Ted was a member of the San Diego Criminal Defense Lawyer’s Club and California Attorney’s for Criminal Justice.  He died in a car accident on September 11, 1996 at age 72. His obituary stated, quite accurately, he put his life on the line to defend the unpopular.

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