JUDICIAL · CA · 1977-1987
Rose Bird
Supreme Court Chief Justice · Democrat · California
NOTABLE
On the record
First woman CA SC Chief; recalled Nov 1986 over death-penalty rulings
SEVERITY · REMOVED
Background
Rose Elizabeth Bird (1936–1999) was California Supreme Court Chief Justice 1977-1987 — the first woman appointed to the CA Sup Ct + the first woman Chief Justice in CA history. Recalled by 67% of voters in November 1986 over death-penalty rulings (voted to overturn all 64 death sentences she heard). Joined by Justices Cruz Reynoso + Joseph Grodin in the recall — the first + only successful recall of CA Sup Ct justices. Cancer survivor; private-practice attorney post-recall.
Curated bio from Officium's editorial pass.
From the article
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Primary sources
Others who held this office in California
- Malcolm Lucas (1987-1996)
- Donald R. Wright (1970-1977)
- Roger J. Traynor (1964-1970)
- Phil S. Gibson (1940-1964)