San Diego Criminal Justice Memorial
Selection Process
A memorial directory honoring deceased judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys who advanced criminal justice in San Diego County.
How selections are made
The San Diego Criminal Justice Memorial Committee made a tentative list of nominees and then held a meeting with representatives of all local bar associations, courts, and law-related organizations to participate as the advisory panel. Everyone was encouraged to pass on the persons tentatively nominated and to add to the list. Once the full list of nominees was collected, the Committee selected those whose names now appear on the plaque in the Criminal Courts Building and in these biographies. The process has since evolved to include electronic nominations from local bar associations, courts, and law-related organizations, which the Committee then incorporates into a preliminary list of nominees. Once the nomination period concludes, Committee members will be assigned one or more nominees to research and prepare a brief biography for review by the entire Committee. The Committee will then vote by secret ballot to select the nominees for inclusion on the Criminal Justice Memorial plaque.
The Committee did its best to include all those who were deserving, but we recognize no human endeavor is without imperfections. Because we did not include many worthy persons who lived and worked in the 19th and early 20th Century, we have added to this website a copy of the book by Leland G. Stanford (formerly San Diego County Law Librarian) entitled, “Footprints of Justice…In San Diego,” a compilation of profiles of senior members of the bench and bar from that era. We thank the trustees of the San Diego County Law Library for granting permission to include this important historical work and to make our endeavors more complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
A brief overview of what this page covers and what to expect.
Who participates in the San Diego Criminal Justice Memorial Committee?
Representatives of local bar associations, courts, and relevant law institutions are invited to participate.
Can additional nominees be suggested?
Yes. Participants are encouraged to share feedback on tentative nominees and add additional names for consideration.
How is the final list determined?
After collecting the full list of nominees, the Committee selects the honorees whose names appear on the courthouse plaque and on this website.
Is the process intended to be exhaustive?
The Committee strives to include all who are deserving, while recognizing that no human endeavor is without imperfections.
What is “Footprints of Justice…In San Diego”?
It is a historical compilation by Leland G. Stanford, referenced for context. A reference copy of Footprints of Justice can be downloaded here.
How often are honorees selected?
The Memorial committee recognizes honorees on a three-year cycle.