The Historical Society of the United States Courts in the Eighth Circuit

Judge Morris Sheppard Arnold Honored at ASLH Reception On November 8, 2012, the American Society for Legal History (ASLH) honored Eighth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Morris Sheppard Arnold at the opening reception of their annual meeting. In addition to being a federal circuit judge, Morris Arnold is a highly regarded legal scholar and historian. To read more and listen to the audio recording of remarks made at the reception, click here.

Judge Warren K. Urbom's Memoir Published Called to Justice: The Life of a Federal Trial Judge by Warren K. Urbom, foreword by William J. Riley, University of Nebraska Press, 2012 (Law in the American West Series) Judge Urbom shares his life story candidly and provides a rare inside view of the work of a federal trial judge. As the presiding judge of the Wounded Knee trials of 1975-1976, he is able to provide a first-hand account of one of the twentieth century’s most significant series of federal trials. For more on this highly-acclaimed contribution to the history of the high plains, click here.

The Historical Society's mission is to preserve and celebrate the rich history of the federal courts of the seven states that make up the Eighth Circuit. Toward this end, the Historical Society has organized separate branches for each of the United States district courts located in Arkansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota, as well as a branch for the circuit court of appeals that encompasses all of these states.

The Historical Society of the United States Courts in the Eighth Circuit is a not-for-profit corporation organized and operating under the laws of the State of Missouri. It is governed by a board of directors made up of representatives of each of the branches. The Historical Society and its branches are tax exempt organizations pursuant to section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and contributions to the Historical Society are tax deductible. The Historical Society is not a part of, nor is it controlled by, any of the courts, judges or employees of the courts.

The Historical Society welcomes inquiry and participation by all interested persons. For information regarding membership, please contact Ann Fessenden, 111 S. 10th Street, Room 22.300, St. Louis, MO 63102, or the branch for your court.