Wasserman Schultz Statement on Passing of Retired Justice Leander J. Shaw Jr.

Washington, DC, December 15, 2015
The arc of his life – from serving our nation in uniform, to taking the Florida Bar Exam in a then-segregated Miami hotel and eventually becoming Florida's first black Chief Justice – mirrored our nation's ongoing march for equality. He was also the chief author of a 1989 ruling that protected the privacy of minors when seeking an abortion. Justice Shaw was a pioneer in every sense of the word, and it is fitting he will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery with so many of our nation's heroes.

Wasserman Schultz Statement on Passing of Retired Justice Leander J. Shaw Jr.

U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz released the following statement today after the passing of Retired Florida Supreme Court Justice Leander J. Shaw, Jr.:

“I was saddened to learn of the passing of Justice Shaw this morning. He was a pillar of the justice and civil rights communities in Florida, and lived a life of public distinction that few will equal. I am sending my thoughts to his family and friends today.

“The arc of his life – from serving our nation in uniform, to taking the Florida Bar Exam in a then-segregated Miami hotel and eventually becoming Florida’s first black Chief Justice – mirrored our nation’s ongoing march for equality. He was also the chief author of a 1989 ruling that protected the privacy of minors when seeking an abortion. Justice Shaw was a pioneer in every sense of the word, and it is fitting he will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery with so many of our nation’s heroes.”

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Contact:

Sean Bartlett, Sean.Bartlett@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931

Geoff Burgan, Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931