(1929 - 1995)
Kentucky Supreme Court Justice Charles M. Leibson, who was instrumental in leading profound changes in Kentucky State jurisprudence, died peacefully in his sleep on December 1995 at age 66. Known for his exacting reviews of every case that came before him during his 13-year tenure, Justice Leibson built a reputation as a champion of fair trials. His peers said he was a prolific writer who brought state Supreme Court decisions to a new level of scholarship and intellectual rigor and that he would be remembered as the most influential force of the century on the state's high court. It was widely known that Justice Leibson was absolutely brilliant, and when he asserted his position you knew it was "the law." He was a champion of fair trials "and justice for all." He created a legend for himself in his judicial decisions based on his humanitarian bent.
Charlie resigned in October of 1995 after 13 years on the bench. Before that, he practiced law by trying medical malpractice and personal injury cases along side Fred Dolt.
Charlie's advice to attorneys included: "Nothing makes a trial lawyer look better than a recalcitrant insurance adjuster;" A case is only as good as the 12 jurors who hear it; and "Let me frame the issue and I can win any argument."
The Charles M. Leibson Lifetime Achievement Award from the Kentucky Justice Association is presented in honor of Charlie Leibson.
