First Blind Federal Judge
Judge Richard Conway Casey recalls the time he accidentally bumped into a courtroom wall at the beginning of a mob trial. Lawyers and spectators shifted uncomfortably - for just a moment. ``You're fired!'' Casey, 68, told his law clerk, who had accompanied him. ``Bring back my guide dog!'' The courtroom burst into laughter.
Unable to see for the past 14 years, Casey is the first blind person to be named a federal trial judge.
``You get mad. You get angry. You get depressed,'' he says. ``But then you choose to either sit there and wait to die or you get up and you move on. Once you make that decision, then you can find humor.''
Appointed in 1997, Casey handles a steady stream of 300 to 400 cases, which cross his desk on audiotapes created by a computer that converts printed words.
On rare occasions, he may swap a case with a colleague because it hinges on visual observation. Otherwise, his work ranges from drug cases to organized crime to contract disputes.
Jeff Thom, president of the American Blind Lawyers Association, said Casey is an inspiration for the estimated 500 blind lawyers nationwide. ``It gives us hope for the future of all blind lawyers,'' he said.
Unable to see for the past 14 years, Casey is the first blind person to be named a federal trial judge.
``You get mad. You get angry. You get depressed,'' he says. ``But then you choose to either sit there and wait to die or you get up and you move on. Once you make that decision, then you can find humor.''
Appointed in 1997, Casey handles a steady stream of 300 to 400 cases, which cross his desk on audiotapes created by a computer that converts printed words.
On rare occasions, he may swap a case with a colleague because it hinges on visual observation. Otherwise, his work ranges from drug cases to organized crime to contract disputes.
Jeff Thom, president of the American Blind Lawyers Association, said Casey is an inspiration for the estimated 500 blind lawyers nationwide. ``It gives us hope for the future of all blind lawyers,'' he said.
Posts
