Hall of Fame 2010

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Judge Robert E. Delahanty*, Louisville, Ky. (1923-1993). Caucasian. Judge Delahanty was elected to the Jefferson District Court in 1978 as was the first chief judge. As judge, he helped implement the United State court system in Jefferson County and led the effort to replace the Bail Bond system that was oppressive to low-income people with Pre-Trial release, which allows some defendants to be released on their own recognizance without posting bail. Mr. Delahanty, was known as a fair and compassionate judge. But he is best known in the Civil Rights community for his defense of those who had been denied access to jobs, housing, public accommodations and bank loans because of their race, color, gender, disability or national origin.