Dickson, Donnell 1971-07-23
Donnell Dickson, former Baylor County attorney, discusses various office holders and civic leaders of early Baylor County before getting into the character of law and its legal application in the county. He also relates highlights of his father’s career and recalls memorable criminal cases in the 50th District.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: Donnell Dickson
Additional Parties Recorded:
Date: July 23, 1971
Location: Seymour, Texas
Interviewer: Joe Gibson
Length: 1 hour, 20 minutes
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1:
(30 minutes)Various early Baylor County judges recalled,
Demographic changes in Baylor County 1910-1920,
Various early lawyers and office holders named,
County judges reviewed,
Various legal personalities and civic leaders discussed,
State constitution's accommodation for judges without legal training--characterization of this kind of judge
Tape 1, Side 2:
Blank
Tape 2, Side 1:
(25 minutes)Explanation of reasons for not rendering a death penalty in early Baylor County,
Mob action involving black criminal recalled,
Defense of court decisions in 50th district involving blacks,
Racial myths used as justification for legal decisions,
Internalizations of social, legal mores and rationalizations,
Uses of alibi in the legal system,
Legal philosophy explored
Tape 2, Side 2:
Blank
Tape 3, Side 1:
(25 minutes)Father's background and career reviewed,
Father's residence in Hale County mentioned,
Father's marriage and family,
Dickson's education and appearance, political and social attitudes recalled,
Legal partnerships reviewed,
Judge Dickson's traveling within 50th District,
Dickson's contributions to local history,
Burnett-Sears trial recalled,
County boundary case,
Criminal cases, convictions reviewed,
Mitchell-Douglas feud recalled,
Snead-Berry feud at Paducah,
The significance of a threat in social mores discussed,
Family's Civil War experience
Tape 3, Side 2:
Blank
Range Dates: 1910-1971
Bulk Dates: 1910-1971
Access Information
Original Recording Format:
Recording Format Notes:
Transcript:
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