Dickson, Donnell 1971-07-23

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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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