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Legal giant celebrated with naming of Jackson Courthouse

Chris Caya/WBFO News

The federal courthouse that overlooks Niagara Square in downtown Buffalo now officially bears the name of Robert H. Jackson. Dozens of people, including members of Jackson's family and the legal community, were on hand for the official naming ceremony. Western District of New York Chief Judge William Skretny called the naming "a dream come true."

"[Jackson is] someone who grew up here, worked here, lived here, and then aspired and succeeded at becoming as Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court," Skretny said.

"He's noted for so many incredible decisions at that level, not the least of which is 'Brown v. Board of Education.'"

Jackson was raised in Frewburg, in Chautauqua County. As an adult, he practiced law in Jamestown and Buffalo and lived on Johnson Park near the 10-story courthouse, which opened in 2011. 

Jackson had a distinguished legal career, which led to a seat on the Supreme Court in 1941. He held a seat on the high court until 1954. Before that, he served as U.S. Solicitor General and U.S. Attorney General.  

Skretny says Jackson is generally considered to be among the "brightest, most accomplished writers" in the Supreme Court's history.

Credit Chris Caya/WBFO News
A bust of Robert H. Jackson was unveiled at the courthouse Monday.

After World War II, Jackson served as Chief Prosecutor of Nazi war criminals at Nuremberg in 1945.

President Obama signed legislation naming the courthouse after Jackson on October 5, 2012 after it passed in Congress with bipartisan support.

Jackson died in 1954. He is buried at Maple Grove Cemetery in Frewburg, near his childhood home.

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