Malcolm M. Lucas

Who is Malcolm M. Lucas?

Lucas malcolm' was the 26th Chief Justice of California. He was appointed to the position after his predecessor, Rose Bird, was removed by the electorate in 1986 for reasons including her staunch opposition to capital punishment, which was reflected in her voting for reversal in all 61 death penalty appeals that came before the Court during her tenure.

Born in Berkeley, California, Lucas earned a B.A. from the University of Southern California in 1950 and an LL.B. from the University of Southern California Law School in 1953. He was in private practice in Long Beach, California from 1954 to 1967. He was a judge on the Superior Court, Los Angeles, California from 1967 to 1971.

On July 8, 1971, Lucas was nominated by President Richard M. Nixon to a new seat on the United States District Court for the Central District of California created by 84 Stat. 294. He was confirmed by the United States Senate on July 29, 1971, and received his commission the same day. Lucas served on that court until he was tapped to join the Supreme Court of California in 1984. He replaced Frank K. Richardson, former Governor Ronald Reagan's only remaining appointee on the Court.