and that freedom and liberty become more than just words or legal doctrines espoused by judicial scholars. "It means something to me," he said. "I took the oath when I was sworn in that the law would be applied equally and with an even hand irrespective of the liti-
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gant's condition, white or black, rich or poor. It means something to me and I appreciate it." In 1982, the Arkansas Bar Association, which denied membership to blacks until the 1960s. came to the defense of Judge Howard following comments by Pulaski County Sheriff Tommy Robinson that Howard was a "token" judge. Robinson had been held in contempt of court by Howard for failing to obey court orders and ended up in federal custody in a Memphis, Tennessee, jail. He was released from federal custody by Howard who said he was satisfied that Robinson had purged himself of contempt of court, but warned, "Don't be deceived by my patience. forebearance and tolerance. Don't interpret those characteristics as signs of weakness." The Association's House of Delegates adopted a resolution filed by Little Rock attorney John 1. Lavey calling for the Association to "condemn" Robinson for violating a federal court order and for using racial epithets in statements critical of Howard. Although Judge Howard is concerned about terminating cases on
the docket, it is not his main goal. His supreme objective is to ensure that when a litigant leaves the courtroom. whether he wins or loses, he has a feeling that as an American citizen he has been afforded his rights under the U.S. Constitution. And Howard feels that judges as well as lawyers have a unique opportunity to make democracy - defined in terms of fair housing, political and economic equality, fair employment and educational opportunities - a living reality for all persons. irrespective of their race,
color or social or political standing. "I suppose the bottom line is service," said Howard. "When we give service. the return is invaluable. We can't evaluate it in terms of dollars and cents. Let us not put getting ahead ahead of giving service." D
J