U.S. Rep. Jim Oberstar, D-Minn., has introduced a bill renaming Duluth's federal courthouse in honor of Judge Gerald W. Heaney, who served on the United States Court of Appeals for the 8th District for almost40 years.
As a judge, Heaney was "a champion of protecting the rights of the disadvantaged," Oberstar said in a statement on the floor of Congress. "He is devoted to making sure that every person has an equal opportunity for an education, a job and a home. He firmly believes the poor, the less educated and less advantaged deserve the protections provided by the United States Constitution."
President Lyndon Johnson appointed Heaney, now 88, to the judgeship in 1966. Heaney retired last year.
During his time on the bench, Heaney authored more than 3,000 legal opinions. He authored or helped write opinions that led to the desegregation of schools in Little Rock, Ark.; Omaha, Neb; and St. Louis.
Heaney earned his law degree from the University of Minnesota in 1941. He entered the Army during World War II. As an officer, he participated in the D-Day landing at Normandy. He was decorated with the Silver Star for extraordinary bravery and also earned the Bronze Star.
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He spent 20 years in a Duluth private law practice, concentrating on labor law, before becoming a judge.
