Working Judge Turns 99

Not every federal judge receives birthday wishes from the President and the Chief Justice of the United States, but Judge Wesley E. Brown is, well, extraordinary. On June 22, he took time from his work in the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas, to comment about turning 99. Ive had more publicity than I deserve, he told a local newspaper reporter. I just know Im still here, and Im working the best I can. Its been a challenge. Still is. Thats what makes it enjoyable. In an earlier interview, Brown told a Wichita television station, I really dont want to be known for being a judge at 99. I want to be known as a judge who does his job, and does the best hes able under the circumstances of his life. Still, Browns birthday was noted in a card from President and Mrs. George W. Bush, and a letter in which Chief Justice John Roberts praised him for the 60th anniversary of your 39th birthday. Appointed by President John F. Kennedy in 1962, Brown took senior status rather than retire in 1979, at age 72. As a senior judge, he carries a reduced caseload but still reports to his chambers every week day. (Senior judges account for about 15 percent of the federal courts workload. Many of them, comparative youngsters, carry full caseloads.) Chief Judge John W. Lungstrum (D. Kan.) praised Brown, saying, It is a great honor to serve as his colleague. He has tremendous energy and enthusiasm to go along with his wealth of experience and store of good judgment, Lungstrum said. He is also a very kind and generous individual with quite a sense of humor, who is well loved by all his colleagues and coworkers. We are very fortunate to have him as the patriarch of our court family. Flashes of Browns humor were displayed in his birthday interviews. He said he was appointed to serve for life, or for good behavior, whichever I lose first. And Im well aware Im a little like the guy falling out of the 20th story. As he passed the 10th floor he said ˜Im alright so far. Brown also recounted a conversation he had shortly after joining the bench, in which he sought advice from an older colleague. I said, ˜How do you get used to wearing the robe. He said, You find out its just like your underwear. After awhile, you cant get along without it. The jocular judge takes his job, and his patriotism, very seriously. Ive never thought of my position as one of power. Its one of obligation, he said. Im here as a beneficiary of so many who have done so much. I owe them a great obligation, to be worthy of their trust. At a recent naturalization ceremony in his courtroom, Brown told the gathered new U.S. citizens that their status gives you the challenge to seek the truth in your country, the truth that will keep you free. Asked about Americas future, Brown responded, Dont sell it short.