Judge Sophia Hall (Finding Aid)

Judge Sophia Hall

1943 -

Favorite Color: Purple

Favorite Food: Pasta

Favorite Time of Year: Spring

Interview Length: 128 minutes

Interview Date(s): May 15, 2003

Interview Location(s): Chicago, Illinois

Abstract

Circuit court judge Sophia Hall describes her family background in detail, telling the story of how her grandparents came to Chicago from the South, and describing the long line of professionals and doctors in her famliy. Hall also touches upon the issue of passing for white, which some of her ancestors practiced. Hall then describes her childhood neighborhood on Chicago's South Side, and recalls her family's move to Hyde Park, where she entered a white environment and school for the first time. Circuit court judge Sophia Hall discusses her childhood interests, including her early fascination with the law. Hall then details her schooling, starting with her high school experience at the University of Chicago Laboratory School, then progressing to her studies in history at the University of Wisconsin at Madison, and then her study of law at Northwestern University School of Law. Hall describes her academic and social involvements at each of these institutions. Circuit court judge Sophia Hall details her career as a practicing lawyer at the law firm McCoy, Ming and Black in the late 1960s. Hall explains how she, even as a young lawyer, was charged with arguing important civil rights cases, including a case in Rockford, Illinois that went to the Supreme Court. Hall also explains the activities of other activists, including Peoria, Illinois NAACP president John Gwynn, and explains how she and her firm represented him in a civil rights case. Hall then explains why she sought to become a judge and discusses the responsibilities and duties of a criminal court judge. Circuit court judge Sophia Hall uses her two decades of experience as a judge to comment on many current issues in the justice system. Hall discusses sentencing in regards to deterrence, race and crime, and shares her philosophy about how communities should be involved in conflict mediation and crime prevention. Hall then lists the many professional organizations in which she participates and holds leadership positions and discusses demographic shifts in the United States. Circuit court judge Sophia Hall expresses her hopes and concerns for the black community and shares her opinions about race reparations and affirmative action, stressing the importance of a diverse and equal society. Hall also reflects on her life and career, considering her legacy and how she would like to be remembered.

34 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)