New Courts Added in Houston

Houston,Texas — Retired Judges of America (RJA) dedicated Court Presentation Bibles to six Harris County area trial courts while attending and speaking at the Houston Christian Legal Society’s meeting today. Receiving Bibles were judges representing the Harris County Criminal Court at Law Number 14, the 174^th Criminal District Court, the 189^th, 269^th, and 333^rd Civil District Courts, and the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas.  These judges are setting a worthy example for their judicial colleagues through acceptance of these commemorative court presentation Bibles,” said RJA’s Founder and President, Darrell White, a retired city judge and former military judge for the Louisiana National Guard.

These Harris County area courts are following a tradition begun by U.S. Supreme Court when in 1906, Justice John Marshall Harlan, I (1833-1911), gave a Bible to the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS).  It has become known as the “Harlan Bible” and is maintained by that Court’s Curator.  Since its presentation, the Harlan Bible’s flyleaf pages have been signed by every justice in succession shortly after taking the oath of office.  Justice Samuel Alito recently acknowledged what a “thrilling and awe-inspiring moment” it was when he signed his name alongside “all of the Justices for the past 100 years.”

The Bibles accepted by the judges are genuine leather Thompson Chain Reference Study Bibles bearing gold imprinted covers and hand-calligraphy bookplates.  Said Judge Daniel Hinde of the 269^th Civil District Court, “I am pleased to accept this Bible on behalf of our Court and expect that its flyleaf signing custom by successor judges will become a rich tradition that is sure to enhance this Book’s value to our community over time.”

Judge White concluded, “Changing times do not change timeless truths, and history shows that the Bible has played a pivotal role in shaping America’s law and culture.  One key purpose of our Constitution is to secure the blessings of liberty to our posterity.  Calling attention to these commemorative court presentation Bibles can help secure that future here for our children and grandchildren.”