Justice Martin Jenkins sworn in to California Supreme Court, becoming its first openly gay justice News
Bayscholar / Pixabay
Justice Martin Jenkins sworn in to California Supreme Court, becoming its first openly gay justice

Justice Martin Jenkins was sworn in as an Associate Justice for the California Supreme Court on Friday, becoming the first openly gay man and the third African American man to serve as a justice on the California Supreme Court.

Jenkins, a San Francisco native, was nominated by Governor Gavin Newsom on October 5 to fill the vacancy created by Justice Ming W. Chin’s retirement, and was unanimously confirmed by the Commission on Judicial Appointments on November 10. Jenkins previously served as a justice for the California Court of Appeal for the First Appellate District, the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. The Commission on Judicial Nominees Evaluation Report, issued on November 6, highly recommended Jenkins’ confirmation Jenkins and praised his extensive public service contributions and professional accomplishments, stating, “his compassion, humility, lifelong commitment to public service, and passion for justice make him a most deserving and worthy addition to the state’s highest court.”

Jenkins will be joining a diverse state Supreme Court bench led by Chief Justice Tani Gorre Cantil-Sakauye, who is the first Asian-Filipina American and second woman to serve as the Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Pope Urban II sparks First Crusade

Pope Urban II threw his support behind what would become the First Crusade on November 27, 1095 during the Council of Clairmont. The Pope urged the council's participants to render aid to the Byzantine Empire, which was being attacked by the Seljuks. Pope Urban called for a wide coalition of rich and poor to combat the threat, which eventually resulted in the conquest of much of the Muslim-controlled Levant by the Crusaders and the establishment of the Crusader States. Read Pope Urban's address.  

Catholic Code of Canon Law revised

On November 27, 1983, the revised Code of Canon Law of the Roman Catholic Church went into effect. Learn more about the history of Canon Law from Professor Kenneth Pennington of the Catholic University of America's Columbus School of Law.

Alfred Nobel creates Nobel Prize in his will

On November 27, 1895, Alfred Nobel signed his will, creating the Nobel Prize. Learn more about the history of the Nobel Prize and the Nobel Commission.