Associate Justice James H. Coleman Jr.

Early Life and Education

James H. Coleman Jr. was born on May 4, 1933, in Lawrenceville, Virginia. He grew up during the era of segregation, an experience that shaped his deep commitment to justice and equality. Coleman earned his Bachelor of Arts from Howard University in 1956 and his Juris Doctor from Rutgers School of Law–Newark in 1959.

Early Legal Career

After law school, Coleman entered private practice, focusing on civil rights and labor law. He worked with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, advocating for racial equality in education and employment. Coleman later served as an attorney in the Office of the Public Defender and as a municipal court judge, developing a reputation for fairness, diligence, and dedication to public service.

Judicial Career

In 1994, James H. Coleman Jr. was appointed as an Associate Justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court by Governor Christine Todd Whitman, making history as the first African American to serve on the state’s highest court. His tenure was marked by thoughtful, well-reasoned opinions on criminal justice, civil rights, and employment discrimination cases.

Coleman served until his retirement in 2003, often bringing a unique perspective to the bench informed by his life experiences and decades of advocacy for marginalized communities.

Legacy

Justice Coleman is remembered as a trailblazer who broke racial barriers in New Jersey’s judiciary. His commitment to fairness, equality, and the protection of individual rights left a lasting mark on the state’s legal landscape.