Supreme Court Honors Judge Curtis L. Collier with Devitt Award
News related to:Supreme Court of the United States · 1 min read
WASHINGTON, Oct. 30, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- On the evening of the Dwight D. Opperman Foundation's 42nd Annual Devitt Award ceremony, Senior United States District Judge Curtis L. Collier was honored with the esteemed Edward J. Devitt Distinguished Service to Justice Award at the Supreme Court of the United States. The award, presented by Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr., recognized Collier's remarkable 31-year career on the federal bench.
Judge Collier was appointed to the federal bench in 1995 by President Bill Clinton. He served as Chief Judge of the Eastern District of Tennessee from 2005 to 2012, and assumed senior status in 2014 while continuing an active docket. His journey from a childhood in rural Arkansas marked by poverty and segregation to his current position stands as a powerful testament to the promise of equal justice under the law.
Chief Justice Roberts opened the proceedings, affirming the significance of the honor before 100 select guests.
In congratulating Judge Collier, the 2026-27 Devitt Award Selection Committee Chairwoman, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, stated that this well-deserved honor was a fitting recognition of his remarkable 31-year career, defined by integrity, excellence, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to justice and service. Justice Jackson noted that Collier was the first African American federal judge in the Eastern District of Tennessee and later became the first African American to serve as Chief Judge of the district.
Judge Collier's journey, from a childhood in rural Arkansas to Tennessee State University, Duke Law School, military service, federal prosecution, and more than three decades on the federal bench, stands as a powerful testament to the promise of equal justice under the law.
The Devitt Award, which continues in perpetuity through the Dwight D. Opperman Foundation, honors Judge Collier's commitment to justice and service. His recognition is a testament to the enduring commitment of the foundation to the American judiciary.