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Open Ninth

Conversations Beyond the Courtroom.

Re-Release: A Legal Pioneer

Open NInth Episode 169

In honor of Black History Month, we want to highlight the Black pioneers in both the legal field and here at the Ninth. In our first episode commemorating this month, we’re taking a look back at our eye-opening conversation with former Chief Judge Belvin Perry, Jr. From trying cases all over the state of Florida in the state attorney’s office to becoming the Ninth’s first Black judge to join the bench through the election process, Perry has left an impact in both the courts and the community. With his long history of accomplishments, you may not realize that this former judge grew up in humble beginnings. During a time of segregation, with hand-me-down books from better-off schools and exclusion from certain establishments in town, Perry fought adversity to pursue success. Tune in to OpenNinth.fm to hear his story.

Time Stamps

  • 00:15 – Introduction to Belvin Perry, Jr.
  • 04:37 – Growing up in the era of segregation
  • 07:34 – Desire to pursue law
  • 12:55 – Starting in the state attorney’s office
  • 21:35 – Biggest cases as a prosecutor
  • 27:00 – Greatest achievements with the state attorney’s office
  • 29:09 – Path to the bench
  • 34:20 – Reasons for becoming Chief Judge
  • 42:53 – Why he left the bench
Open Ninth
Episode 169

Conversations Beyond the Courtroom.

Run time 50:04

Transcript

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In this episode

Chief Judge Lisa T. Munyon
Lisa T. Munyon

Chief Judge and Open Ninth host

Chief Judge Lisa T. Munyon has been a Judge with the Ninth Judicial Circuit for 18 years. She is the Ninth Circuit's first female Chief Judge.

Belvin Perry, Jr.

Attorney, Morgan and Morgan

Former Chief Judge and the longest serving Chief Judge of the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court.