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Charlotte Amalie
Thursday, March 28, 2024
HomeNewsArchivesFARRELLY PAYS TRIBUTE TO JUDGE CHRISTIAN

FARRELLY PAYS TRIBUTE TO JUDGE CHRISTIAN

Almeric L. Christian made his mark early in life. From his graduation from Columbia University Law School, his star kept rising. The star got brighter when he began trial practice on St. Croix. He had become a legend on the "big island." When there was a difficult case to try, those in need of a good lawyer would be advised to call Almeric Christian.
When he was appointed United States Attorney by President John F. Kennedy, there was no mistaking the bright star in the sky. Almeric's appointment was an important step not only for his career but mine as well. It was upon his recommendation that Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy appointed me Assistant United States Attorney for the Virgin Islands. I was excited by the offer and hastened to accept it. It was an experience I shall never forget.
Under his mentorship I learned good trial habits and thoroughly enjoyed the assignment. After the U.S. Attorney tenure, he was appointed U.S. District Court Judge. History fills the rest.
During his tenure as District Court Judge and Chief Judge he decided some important precedent-setting cases for the Juris Prudence of the Virgin Islands. Some of his cases were approved by the Circuit Court, some were reversed. But one cannot fail to appreciate the brilliance of his decided cases. The brilliance of those opinions will be continuously recognized, included among them the so-called, "Free Beach Case."
We have lost a brilliant legal scholar and a trial judge par excellence. I have lost a dear and cherished friend. Joan and I extend our deepest sympathy to the Christian Family.
Alexander A. Farrelly

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