October 15, 1996
Contact: Lew Harris (615) 322-2706
Vanderbilt University Law School
to honor Judge Gilbert S. Merritt
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Judge Gilbert S. Merritt will be presented the
1996 Distinguished Alumnus Award from the Vanderbilt University Law School
during the school's reunion brunch Oct. 26.
Merritt is stepping down this year as chief judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals
for the Sixth Circuit. This position is one judicial level below the Supreme
Court of the United States. Prior to his appointment to the Sixth Circuit
Court of Appeals, Merritt was the U.S. Attorney for Middle Tennessee from
1966-69. From 1970- 77, he was a partner in private practice with the Nashville
firm of Gullett, Steele, Sanford, Robinson and Merritt. He served as a city
attorney for Metropolitan Nashville from 1963-66, advising the city on legal
matters.
Merritt earned his law degree from Vanderbilt in 1960 and later taught law
and served as assistant dean of the law school.
The Law School Distinguished Alumnus Award is presented during the school's
reunion each year to an alumnus or alumna who manifests the values of a
Vanderbilt Law School education by acuity of mind, balance of temperament
and distinction of professional stature. The recipient must be outstanding
in his or her professional accomplishments and a recognized leader within
his or her field of endeavor.
In honor of Merritt, the Vanderbilt Law Review will hold a symposium entitled
"Defining Democracy for the Next Century" Oct. 25. The symposium
will feature 13 legal scholars from throughout the United States who will
discuss the future of American democracy and the Supreme Court's role in
defining that democracy.
-VU-
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This document last updated Jan. 10, 1997