W. Otis Higgs
W. Otis Higgs, Jr. was a judge for the Shelby County Criminal Court (Division II) in the Thirtieth Judicial District of Tennessee. He was first elected to this position in 1998. In 2006, he was re-elected without opposition to a term expiring 2014.[1][2][3] Higgs passed away suddenly on February 15, 2013, at his home in Memphis, Tennessee. He was 75 years old.[4]
Biography and Education
Higgs received his B.A. degree from Le Moyne-Owen College and his J.D. degree from the University of Memphis. He was admitted to practice law in 1967. In addition to his legal career, he serves as Pastor for CME Church.[1][5]
Career
Higgs worked as a practicing attorney, Assistant Public Defender and Sheriff of Shelby County prior to joining the Criminal Court. He was the "first and only" black Sheriff in the history of Shelby County, serving just 82 days in the wake of the previous Sheriff's suicide.[4] Prior to joining Division II of the Shelby County Criminal Court, where he now serves, he served in Division IV of the same court.[1]
See also
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Official website of Shelby County, Tennessee, "W. Otis Higgs, Jr."
- ↑ Tennessee Secretary of State, "August 3, 2006 General Election Results (Scroll to p.29)
- ↑ [[Tennessee Criminal Court]"]
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Memphis judge Otis Higgs has passed away, The Commercial Appeal, February 15, 2013
- ↑ Martindale.com, "Judge Profile: W. Otis Higgs, Jr."