This oral history interview with Bob Christ was conducted by Jack G. Collins on September 28, 1990, with introductory comments by William F. White. White introduces the recording with the title "The Mover for the Shakers." In the interview, Christ briefly describes his early life in Portland, Oregon; his education; and his early career as a lawyer. He then discusses how he began his career as a law clerk at the U.S. District Court of Oregon in Portland, including his initial conversation with George Juba; assembling his staff; and the duties of the job. Christ talks about the procedures of the District Court and about judges he worked with, particularly Gus Solomon. He also talks about the transition to the digital age and other changes to the court. He closes the interview with an anecdote about finding what he thought was a bomb in the court bathroom, and the story of the impeachment of Judge Harry Claiborne of Nevada.

This oral history interview with Randall B. Kester was conducted by Donna L. Sinclair from February 21 to May 11, 2005, at Kester's office in Portland, Oregon, as part of the United States District Court Oral History Project. The interview was conducted in three sessions and a transcript is available. Part of Session 3 was recorded on both audiocassette and videocassette.

In the first interview session, conducted on February 21, 2005, Kester discusses his family background and early life, particularly focusing on his mother. He also talks about the families and careers of his siblings. He speaks about his marriage to Rachael Woodhouse and talks about raising a family. He discusses his hobbies of hiking and mountain climbing; shares his reasons for returning to Oregon after earning his law degree; and speaks about his early career as a lawyer in the 1940s. He then speaks at length about his career as general solicitor for the Union Pacific Railroad. He talks about cases he tried, about the railroading business, and about safety regulations.

In the second interview session, conducted on March 31, 2005, Kester discusses his involvement with the Forest Service Reserves during World War II. He also describes witnessing a fatal climbing accident on Mount Hood. He speaks at length about constitutional law cases he worked on while a lawyer with Maguire, Shields, Morrison, Bailey & Kester, particularly Yasui v. United States. He also talks about U.S. District Court of Oregon judges that he argued before, about laws regarding jury selection, and about the process of settling cases.

In the third interview session, conducted on May 11, 2005, Kester discusses his involvement with the Oregon State Bar's continuing legal education program. He speaks about his brief service as a justice on the Oregon Supreme Court from 1957 to 1958, including his appointment to the bench, and opinions that he wrote. He reflects on cases he worked on both as a judge and a lawyer that have had lasting effects on the field of law. He discusses the differences among the different court circuits in Oregon; talks about challenges to Oregon's land-use laws; and shares his reasons for retiring from the Supreme Court. He closes the interview by discussing the origins of the U.S. District Court of Oregon Historical Society, and the history of his law firm.

This oral history interview with Ancer L. Haggerty was conducted by Clark Hansen in Haggerty's chambers at the U.S. District Courthouse in Portland, Oregon, in four sessions from December 9, 2005, to February 23, 2006. Interview sessions in December 2005, part of a session in January 2006, and the session in February 2006 were recorded on audiocassette. The other part of the session in January 2006 was recorded on videocassette.

In the December 2005 and January 2006 sessions recorded on audiocassette, Haggerty discusses his family background and early life in the Woodlawn neighborhood of Portland, including his involvement in high school football. He talks about attending the University of Oregon, his views on the Vietnam War, and joining the Marine Corps. He discusses his military training, being wounded in Vietnam in 1968, and his rehabilitation. He also discusses some of the politics contemporary to the interview session in 2005. He talks about attending the U.C. Hastings College of the Law and taking the Oregon bar exam in 1973.

Haggerty speaks about his legal career, beginning with a brief discussion of his work as a public defender for the Metropolitan Public Defender in Portland from 1973 to 1977. He then talks about working as a lawyer with Schwabe, Williamson, and Wyatt from 1977 to 1989. He discusses his marriage to Judith Ann Blair in 1983, and their children. He talks about serving as a judge on the Multnomah County Circuit Court from 1990 to 1993, including his appointment by Governor Neil Goldschmidt, some of the cases he heard, and his re-election campaign. He then talks about serving as a judge on the U.S. District Court of Oregon from 1993 to the time of the interview in 2006. He talks about his nomination by President Bill Clinton.

In the January 2006 video recording, Haggerty revisits the topic of his family background and early life in the Woodlawn neighborhood of Portland, his interest in playing football, and his service in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He then speaks in more detail about his college experience at U.C. Hastings College of the Law; his work as a public defender in Portland; and practicing law at Schwabe, Williamson, and Wyatt. He also talks about serving as a judge on the Multnomah County Circuit Court and describes his experience as a judge on the Tom Metzger case, as well as other cases he heard. He then discusses serving as a judge on the U.S. District Court of Oregon, including his fellow judges, writing opinions, and serving as chief judge. He closes the video session by discussing his judicial philosophy.

In the final, audio-only interview session in February 2006, Haggerty discusses his early years as a judge on the U.S. District Court of Oregon, his relationship with his fellow District Court judges and other court employees, and the role of the court. He talks about some of the cases he heard, his staff, and serving as chief judge from 2002 until the time of the interview in 2006. He also discusses writing opinions, funding for the courts, and the make-up of the U.S. Supreme Court in 2006. He talks about the public opinion of the U.S. District Court of Oregon, jury trials, and sentencing. He talks about national politics between 2000 and 2006. He closes the interview by reflecting on his career and accomplishments.

This oral history interview with Malcolm Marsh was conducted by Clark Hansen from January 27 to May 10, 2005, as part of the United States District Court Oral History Project. The interview was conducted in three sessions, all held in Marsh's chambers at the U.S. District Courthouse in Portland, Oregon. Part of the third session was recorded simultaneously on audiocassette and videocassette.

In the first interview session, conducted on January 27, 2005, Marsh speaks at length about his family background. He talks about his early life in McMinnville, Oregon, including his education, his family's experiences during the Depression, and his memories of life during World War II. He also briefly talks about his service in the U.S. Army in Japan just after the end of the war. He then discusses his experience studying law at the University of Oregon, including some of his classes and professors. He talks about his marriage to Shari Long. He speaks about practicing law in Salem with his law partner, Ned Clark, and describes how he came to specialize in product liability cases. He discusses his Christian faith, and also talks about how it affects his choices during sentencing. He talks about his appointment to the U.S. District Court of Oregon in 1987. He speaks at length about political polarization in the U.S., and shares his thoughts about how to address it. He talks about his professional ethics, discusses his reasons for taking senior status in 1998, and shares stories about arguing cases before Judge Gus Solomon.

In the second interview session, conducted on January 28, 2005, Marsh discusses serving as a judge on the U.S. District Court of Oregon. He talks about adjusting to the workload of a judge, discusses members of his staff and his fellow judges, and describes the role of magistrate judges. He shares his thoughts about the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals; talks about his process for preparing for trial; and speaks at length about sentencing guidelines. He discusses some of the cases he presided over, particularly cases regarding salmon fisheries and the Rajneeshees. He talks about his law clerks; shares his opinion on personality traits that make a good judge; and discusses the increase in case settlements, and decrease in jury trials.

In the third and final interview session, conducted on May 10, 2005, Marsh discusses efforts to streamline the U.S. District Court of Oregon, including the use of magistrate judges. He speaks about working with U.S. Attorney Chuck Turner; talks about the increase in cases relating to drugs; and revisits the topic of sentencing guidelines. He shares how his thoughts on immigration laws changed over his career; shares his opinion regarding concerns about judicial activism; and talks about when judges should retire. He also revisits the topic of his reasons for taking senior status. He talks about how his judicial philosophy changed and reflects on his career. He debates the merits of both restorative and retributive justice. He speaks about the role of law clerks, about judges' salaries, and about his role in the construction of the Mark O. Hatfield United States District Courthouse in Portland. He discusses working with Mark Hatfield and John Dellenback. He speaks about his marriage to Shari Long, and about balancing his Christian faith and his role as a judge. He closes the interview by talking about the importance of family.

This oral history interview with Stephen M. Bloom was conducted by Donna Sinclair at the U.S. District Courthouse in Portland, Oregon, from April 19 to May 2, 2005, as part of the United States District Court Oral History Project. The interview was conducted in three sessions, and a transcript is available. Part of the third session was recorded simultaneously on audiocassette and videocassette.

In the first interview session, conducted on April 19, 2005, Bloom discusses his family background and early life in San Francisco and in the San Fernando Valley, California, including his education, his relationship with his siblings, and the death of his mother when he was 10 years old. He briefly talks about studying law at Willamette University, and speaks about his children, their education, and their careers.

In the second interview session, conducted on April 20, 2005, Bloom discusses his experiences at Stanford University and in the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps during the Vietnam War. He discusses practicing law in Pendleton, Oregon, and speaks at length about cases he worked on in the field of water law. He also talks about working as a pro tem judge for the Umatilla Indian Reservation; speaks further about studying law at Willamette University; and talks about his marriage to Becky Nelson after his second year of law school. He also briefly speaks about working in the district attorney's office in Pendleton. He talks about serving as a magistrate judge on the U.S. District Court of Oregon from 1988 to 2005. He describes the duties of a magistrate judge, talks about following sentencing guidelines, and shares some of the cases he heard.

In the third and final interview session, conducted on May 2, 2005, Bloom continues to discuss serving as a magistrate judge on the U.S. District Court of Oregon from 1988 to 2005, and to talk about some of the cases he heard. He also continues to speak about practicing law in Pendleton and about cases he worked on in the field of water law. He closes the interview by discussing his involvement in several organizations, including Legal Aid Services of Oregon and the Peace Corps.

This oral history interview with John P. Cooney was conducted by Clark Hansen at the U.S. District Courthouse in Medford, Oregon, from May 12 to June 17, 2005, as part of the United States District Court Oral History Project. The interview was conducted in two sessions, and a transcript is available. Part of the second session was recorded simultaneously on Audiocassette 3 and Videocassette 1.

In the first interview session, conducted on May 12, 2005, Cooney discusses his family background and early life in Sedalia and St. Louis, Missouri, including playing minor league baseball. He briefly talks about his marriage to Eleanor McCabe, about raising a family while studying law at Willamette University, and about practicing law in Medford, Oregon. He speaks at length about serving as a federal magistrate judge on the U.S. District Court of Oregon. He describes the role magistrate judges play in Oregon, talks about judges, law clerks, and lawyers he worked with, and discusses the procedures of the court. He also talks about the types of cases he heard.

In the second interview session, conducted on June 17, 2005, Cooney continues to discuss serving as a federal magistrate judge on the U.S. District Court of Oregon, the role magistrate judges play in Oregon, and the types of cases he heard. He shares his experience of being a judge in a small community, discusses passing sentences, and shares his judicial philosophy. He also talks about changes in technology since the beginning of his career, and how they affected his work and the design of the courthouse. He closes the interview by talking about his family life, and about his plans for retirement.

This oral history interview with Jacob B. Tanzer was conducted by Peter C. Richter from October 5, 2005, to April 4, 2006 as part of the United States District Court Oral History Project. The interview was conducted in two sessions, and a transcript is available.

In the first interview session, conducted on October 5, 2005, Tanzer discusses his family background and early life in Portland, Oregon. He briefly talks about his college experiences at the University of Oregon, Stanford University, and Reed College. He then talks about studying law at the University of Oregon, including his part-time jobs. He discusses practicing law in Portland and deciding to pursue a career as a public prosecutor instead. He talks about working for the U.S. Department of Justice in the organized crime division during the John F. Kennedy administration, particularly his work on the case of civil rights workers murdered in Mississippi in 1964. Tanzer discusses his reasons for leaving the U.S. Department of Justice that same year to return to Portland as a Multnomah County deputy district attorney. He talks about his fellow prosecutors, defense lawyers he argued against, and some of the judges he argued before. He discusses his appointment as Oregon's first solicitor general in 1969 and describes some of the cases he prosecuted. He also talks about serving as director of the Oregon Department of Human Services from its inception in 1971 until 1973. He describes the types of social welfare programs he administered, discusses fighting budget cuts, and talks about working with Governor Tom McCall. He also speaks at length about volunteering with the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law in Mississippi for one month in 1967 and describes many of the cases he worked on. Tanzer discusses serving on the Oregon Court of Appeals from 1973 to 1980, and on the Oregon Supreme Court from 1980 to 1982. He talks about some of the judges he served with, particularly Hans Linde.

In the second interview session, conducted on April 4, 2006, Tanzer continues to discuss serving on the Oregon Supreme Court. He speaks further about serving on the bench with Hans Linde, and talks about some of the opinions he wrote. He discusses how the procedures of the court changed during his tenure, the relationship between the legislative and judicial branches of state government, and his return to private legal practice in 1983. He closes the interview by sharing advice for aspiring lawyers.

This oral history interview with Robert E. Jones was conducted by Clark Hansen at the U.S. District Courthouse in Portland, Oregon, from September 12 to October 14, 2005, as part of the United States District Court Oral History Project. The interview was conducted in five sessions. The first four interview sessions were recorded on audiocassette; the final session was recorded on videocassette. The transcript includes a foreword by Owen Panner and an introduction by Donna Sinclair, as well as several autobiographical addendums by Robert E. Jones.

In the first interview session, conducted on September 12, 2005, Jones discusses his family background and early life in Portland, including his experiences during the Great Depression, his social life, and working in the shipyards during World War II. He describes his service in the U.S. Navy Reserve at the end of the war and talks about how those experiences inform his worldview.

In the second interview session, conducted on September 19, 2005, Jones continues to discuss his service in the U.S. Navy Reserve. He talks about his marriage to Pearl Jensen and attending the University of Hawaii. He then discusses studying at the Northwestern School of Law and talks about practicing law from 1953 to 1963, including lawyers he worked with, cases he worked on, and judges he argued before. He talks about serving as a judge on the Multnomah County Circuit Court, including judges he served with and cases he heard. He also discusses representing Washington County in the Oregon House of Representatives during the 1963 legislative session and talks about legislation that came up during his term.

In the third interview session, conducted on September 22, 2005, Jones discusses serving on the Oregon Commission for Prison Term and Parole Standards and talks about criminal justice. He talks about teaching courses on evidence. He revisits the topic of his service as a judge on the Multnomah County Circuit Court and speaks about cases he presided over, talks about his staff, and describes how the circuit court differed from the U.S. District Court. He then briefly talks about serving as a justice on the Oregon Supreme Court.

In the fourth interview session, conducted on September 29, 2005, Jones continues to discuss serving as a justice on the Oregon Supreme Court. He talks about cases he heard, justices he served with, and some of the decisions he authored. He then discusses serving as a judge on the U.S. District Court of Oregon; talks about the political process of nominating judges; and describes some of the cases he heard. He also speaks about the jury selection process.

In the fifth and final interview session, conducted on October 14, 2005, Jones continues to discuss serving as a judge on the U.S. District Court of Oregon. He speaks further about cases he heard, and talks about technology used in the courtroom. He discusses a 1998 trip to Russia and talks about the Russian legal system. He closes the interview by talking about the most difficult aspects of being a judge.

This oral history interview with Betty Roberts was conducted by Katherine Huff O'Neil at Roberts' home in Portland, Oregon, from October 24 to November 16, 2005, as part of the United States District Court Oral History Project. In addition to the audio recording of the interview, the collection includes a transcript; 50 digital photographs depicting Roberts' childhood, family, and later judicial career and activities; and one photographic print of Roberts. The collection also includes an index to the digital photographs. The interview was conducted in five sessions. The audio for session five was not donated, but its content is available in the transcript.

In the first interview session, conducted on October 24, 2005, Roberts discusses her family background and early life in Texas, including her father's disability and the financial strain her family suffered during the Depression. She also talks about her early education, including playing on a girls football team. She talks about attending Texas Wesleyan College; meeting Bill Rice and their subsequent marriage; and moving to Southern Oregon in 1946. She describes raising a family, and returning to college later in life to pursue a teaching career.

In the second interview session, conducted on November 7, 2005, Roberts briefly speaks further about her experiences during the Depression. She then talks about getting involved in Democratic politics while attending Portland State University; the difficulty of balancing school, work, politics, and family; and her 1960 marriage to Frank Roberts. She also discusses some of the discrimination she faced due to her age and gender. She talks about studying at Northwestern College of Law, including her professors and fellow students. She discusses serving in the Oregon House of Representatives from 1965 to 1968. She talks about her experience as one of the few women in the Legislature, some of the legislation she worked on, and passing the Oregon bar in 1967. She talks about meeting Keith Skelton in the Legislature and their subsequent marriage in 1968. She then talks about serving in the Oregon Senate from 1969 to 1977. She describes the lack of a women's restroom in the Senate and other forms of discrimination she faced. She speaks about legislation on abortion that she worked on.

In the third interview session, conducted on November 10, 2005, Roberts continues to discuss serving in the Oregon House of Representatives. She speaks at length about legislation she worked on, including bills allowing married women to choose their names, and legalizing abortion. She talks about other women legislators and the formation of the women's caucus in 1973, as well as much of the legislation on women's rights they worked on. She also discusses her committee assignments, practicing law in Portland while serving in the Legislature, and the formation of the Oregon Court of Appeals in 1977. She discusses her appointment as a judge to that court.

In the fourth interview session, conducted on November 16, 2005, Roberts discusses serving as a judge on the Oregon Court of Appeals from 1977 to 1982. She discusses her appointment; her fellow judges, particularly Herb Schwab; and the sexism she faced. She then discusses serving as a justice on the Oregon Supreme Court from 1982 to 1986. She talks about her appointment, her fellow justices, and her experience as the first woman on the court. She also talks about some of the cases she heard and precedents set by her opinions. She then talks about her reasons for retiring in 1986, as well as her work as a mediator. Roberts and O'Neil discuss the formation of Oregon Women Lawyers and some of that organization's activities.

In the fifth and final interview session, conducted on February 26, 2007, Roberts revisits several topics from earlier in the interview, including her experiences at Portland State University, her early involvement in Oregon politics, and balancing education, career, and family. She closes the interview by talking about the increase in the number of women in the legal profession. The content of this session is available only in the interview transcript.

This oral history interview with James A. Redden was conducted by Michael O'Rourke in Redden's chambers at the U.S. District Court in Portland, Oregon, on January 27, 2006. In this interview, Redden discusses cases during his time as Oregon attorney general and as a U.S. District Court judge, including some involving treaties with Native Americans and fishing rights on the Columbia River, as well as the effects of the dams on salmon runs and other fisheries. He also discusses the history and impact of the U.S. District Court Historical Society; the war on terror, particularly the Patriot Act; and drug-related cases.

This oral history interview with Donal D. Sullivan was conducted by Michael O'Rourke in Sullivan's chambers at the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Portland, Oregon, on July 6, 2006. In the interview, Sullivan discusses his early career as a lawyer in Salem, and as assistant district attorney with Sid Lezak in the Multnomah County district attorney's office in Portland, then as a clerk for the U.S. District Court of Oregon. He describes working with judges Gus Solomon and William East. Sullivan also talks about serving as a bankruptcy judge. He closes the interview by talking about his personal life and family.

This oral history interview with Otto Skopil was conducted by Clark Hansen at the U.S. District Courthouse in Portland, Oregon, on June 21, 2006, as part of the United States District Court Oral History Project. The interview was recorded simultaneously on audiocassette and videocassette; Videocassette 1 corresponds to Audiocassette 1, and Videocassette 2 corresponds to Audiocassette 2. A transcript of the interview is available.

In this interview, Skopil briefly discusses his family background, his early life in Salem, and his experiences at Willamette University and in the Navy. He speaks about practicing law in Salem, including some of the cases he worked on, and arguing cases before Judge Gus Solomon. He discusses his service as a judge, and later as chief judge, on the U.S. District Court of Oregon, including some of the cases he heard, and talks about his role in the development of the court's magistrate judge system. He discusses his 1979 appointment to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and talks about his service as a judge on that court from 1979 to the time of the interview. He shares some of the cases he heard, talks about the reasons for the court's large workload, and discusses the court's role as an interpreter of federal law. He talks about dissenting opinions among the judges, about calls to split the Ninth Circuit, and about working with law clerks. He speaks about his involvement with the Federal Courts Study Committee. He closes the interview by reflecting on his judicial career.

This interview with Owen Panner was conducted by Michael O'Rourke in Portland, Oregon, on December 19, 2005. In the interview, Panner discusses mandatory sentencing and the effect of politics on the judiciary. He also talks about his plan to move to the District Court in Medford, Oregon. In addition, he discusses the structure and procedures of the District Court; technology in the courts; his involvement with the U.S. District Court Historical Society; and life on his Medford ranch.

This interview with Alfred Goodwin was conducted by Michael O'Rourke at Goodwin's home in Sisters, Oregon, on August 26, 2006. In the interview, Goodwin discusses some of the topics that often come before the U.S. District Court, including immigration, fishing rights, and environmental law. He also discusses national legislation regarding terrorism; proposals to split the Ninth Circuit; technology in the court; and the War on Drugs. He closes the interview by talking about his personal life and family background.

This oral history interview with Lee Johnson was conducted by Clark Hansen at Johnson's home, as well as his office, in Portland, Oregon, from April 20 to September 29, 1992. In this interview, Johnson discusses his family background and early life in Toledo, Oregon, during the Depression; he likens Toledo to a company town. He talks about moving to Portland at the age of 11, then attending prep school in New Jersey, and Princeton after that. He discusses how his education at Princeton changed his political outlook, and talks about volunteering for the Navy after the Korean War. He then talks about studying law at Stanford, including his interest in antitrust law, his involvement with the Law Review, and starting a family with his wife, Dorothy Marie Miller. He goes on to discuss his brief stint as a trial lawyer for the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., under both the Eisenhower and Kennedy administrations, as well as practicing law in Portland. He briefly describes many of the judges before whom he argued cases. He talks about his involvement with the Trumpeters and the Republican Party.

Johnson discusses serving in the Oregon House of Representatives from 1965 to 1968, including campaigning, advocating for a sales tax, and his views on decriminalizing drugs. He also talks about some of the legislators he served with, including Monte Montgomery and Harry Boivin. He also speaks about Governor Mark Hatfield's administration; reapportionment; and the constitutionality of the Beach Bill. He then discusses serving as attorney general for Oregon from 1969 to 1975, particularly his campaigns. He also discusses some of the cases he prosecuted, his staff, and recruiting lawyers. He also speaks at length about the passage of the Bottle Bill. He discusses working in Governor Tom McCall's administration, as well as Governor Bob Straub's; his rivalry with Clay Myers; and working with George Van Hoomisen. He also talks about his work on cases regarding welfare reforms, particularly to help single mothers; antitrust law; regulation of fisheries; and crime prevention. He speaks often about the working relationship the district attorney's office had with the Oregon Legislature. He also describes his DUI arrest and the resulting trial; the gun control debate; the prison system and capital punishment; and whistleblower protections.

Johnson discusses his partial term as a judge on the Oregon Court of Appeals from 1977 to 1978, including his campaigns, the role of the judiciary, and working with juries. He also discusses judges he worked with, including Jacob Tanzer, Jason Lee, Hans Linde and Herb Schwabe. He talks about judicial decisions, including on abortion; procedures of the court; continuing education; the relationship between courts of different levels; and his views on the role of judges. He speaks at length about his time working for the administration of Governor Vic Atiyeh, as well as changes in the Legislature. He then talks about serving on the Multnomah County Circuit Court of Appeals from 1983 up to the time of the interview in 1992, including cases he worked on, his colleagues, and staff. He talks about how legislation has affected the job of judges, including the war on drugs, liability laws, and sentencing guidelines. He closes the interview with a discussion of the members of the Oregon delegation to Congress.

This oral history interview with Douglas R. Spencer was conducted by Craig J. Capon in Eugene, Oregon, from February 27 to June 20, 2008. In this interview, Spencer discusses his children and grandchildren, as well as his family background and early life in Eugene. He talks about going to the Lane County courthouse to watch trials for fun during high school. He then talks about attending Harvard University for several years before his naval reserve unit was activated in 1944. He describes his naval service in the Pacific Theater during World War II, including an experience when his ship was hit by a kamikaze. He talks about returning to finish his degree and study law at Harvard in 1946, and describes some of his classes and his social life. He then talks about returning to Eugene to prepare for the Oregon bar exam, meeting Amy Lou Ware, and their subsequent marriage.

Spencer discusses working as an assistant Lane County district attorney from 1949 to 1951. He talks about some of the cases he prosecuted, some of the judges he argued before, and lawyers he worked with. He then talks about practicing law in Cottage Grove for six months. He discusses teaching at the University of Oregon as an adjunct professor, then joining the Eugene law firm Bailey & Hoffman in 1953. He describes his daily life as a law associate, as well as his involvement with the Young Republicans. He describes events in the Lane County bar and Circuit Court that led up to his appointment to the court in 1967, particularly regarding Judge Frank Reid. He discusses serving as a judge on the Lane County Circuit Court from 1967 to 1989. He describes his daily activities as a judge and his staff. He also talks about changes in the court over the years, particularly societal changes and how they affected the judicial system. He describes some of the more complicated cases he heard, particularly those involving the death penalty. He discusses his reasons for retiring in 1989, as well as his retirement activities. He closes the interview by talking about the differences between the state and federal judiciary.

This oral history interview with Edwin J. Peterson was conducted by Jeffrey C. Dobbins in Salem, Oregon, from August 21 to December 11, 2007, as part of the United States District Court of Oregon Oral History Project. The interview was conducted in thirteen sessions. Throughout the interview, Peterson refers to photographs and letters. Copies of some, but not all, of these items are included in the related U.S. District Court of Oregon Historical Society collection, Coll 560.

In the first interview session, conducted on August 21, 2007, Peterson discusses his family background in Gilmanton, Wisconsin, including the local creamery managed by his father; his childhood activities; and his early education. He also talks about his memories of rural life during World War II.

In the second interview session, conducted on August 28, 2007, Peterson continues to discuss his early life in Gilmanton, and his memories of life during World War II. He then discusses having asthma and moving to Oregon in 1944 in an effort to improve his health. He looks at photographs of his home and family in Gilmanton and discusses them.

In the third interview session, conducted on September 4, 2007, Peterson discusses his high school experience in Eugene, Oregon. He talks about studying music at the University of Oregon, including his social life and his summer activities.

In the fourth interview session, conducted on September 11, 2007, Peterson continues to discuss his college experiences at the University of Oregon, including his involvement with the Young Republicans. He describes his service as a personnel officer in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, particularly his experience in administration. He shares his memories of the Cold War.

In the fifth interview session, conducted on September 18, 2007, Peterson discusses attending the University of Oregon Law School. He talks about the dean, Orlando Hollis; his social life; and his summer jobs. He talks about relocating to Portland to practice law at Tooze, Kerr, Peterson, Marshall & Shenker.

In the sixth interview session, conducted on September 25, 2007, Peterson discusses practicing law in Portland. He speaks at length about cases he tried, about fellow lawyers, and about judges he argued before. He particularly focuses on trial preparation and procedures.

In the seventh interview session, conducted on October 9, 2007, Peterson speaks further about University of Oregon Law School Dean Orlando Hollis, then continues to discuss practicing law in Portland. He also talks about his involvement with the Oregon State Bar, and his friendship with Clay Myers.

In the eighth interview session, conducted on October 16, 2007, Peterson continues to discuss practicing law in Portland. He reflects on his career as a lawyer, talks about cases he worked on, and discusses settling out of court. He shares an anecdote about his appointment to the Oregon Supreme Court in 1979.

In the ninth interview session, conducted on October 23, 2007, Peterson discusses the procedures of the Multnomah County Circuit Court and the Oregon Court of Appeals, and talks about judges who served on those courts. He also shows the interviewer, Jeffrey Dobbins, his collection of photographs and speaks about them at length.

In the tenth interview session, conducted on October 30, 2007, Peterson continues to discuss his photograph collection. He then speaks about his service as a justice on the Oregon Supreme Court from 1979 to 1993. He describes his fellow justices on the court. He discusses the procedures of the Supreme Court, cases he heard, and his re-election in 1980.

In the eleventh interview session, conducted on November 6, 2007, Peterson continues to discuss his service as a justice on the Oregon Supreme Court from 1979 to 1993. He talks about serving as chief justice from 1983 to 1991, including implementing an integrated court system, the court's budget, and the court's staff. He reads entries from his journals detailing this part of his career.

In the twelfth interview session, conducted on November 13, 2007, Peterson continues to discuss his service as a justice on the Oregon Supreme Court from 1979 to 1993, and serving as chief justice from 1983 to 1991. He talks about implementing the uniform trial court rules. He also discusses the changes in technology, rules of professionalism, and diversity training. He reads additional entries from his journals detailing this part of his career.

In the thirteenth and final interview session, conducted on December 11, 2007, Peterson closes the interview by talking about his activities since retiring in 1993, including teaching at the Willamette University Law School and working as a mediator.

This oral history interview with Hans A. Linde was conducted in 23 sessions from January 15, 2002, to February 3, 2004, as part of the United States District Court of Oregon Oral History Project. Rick Harmon conducted sessions 1 and 2, and Michael O'Rourke conducted the remaining sessions. Sessions 1-3, 5-16, and 18-23 were conducted in Linde's office at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon; Session 4 was conducted at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland; and Session 17 was conducted at Linde's home in Salem.

In sessions 1-4, Linde discusses his family background and early life in a Jewish family in Berlin, Germany; talks about his adolescence in Copenhagen, Denmark, from 1933 to 1937; and talks about his high school experience in Portland, Oregon, after 1939. He describes his service in the U.S. Army during World War II, talks about his marriage to Helen Tucker, and discusses his experience at Reed College.

In sessions 5-10, Linde discusses his law school experience at the University of California, Berkeley. He speaks at length about working as a law clerk for U.S. Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas from 1950 to 1951, including his experience living in Washington, D.C., law clerks he worked with, and cases he worked on. He discusses his work for the United Nations General Assembly from 1951 to 1953. He talks about teaching law at the University of Oregon in 1954 and about his experiences as U.S. Senator Richard Neuberger's legislative aide from 1955 to 1958. He also begins to discuss his career as a professor of law at the University of Oregon in Eugene from 1959 to 1976.

In sessions 11-14, Linde continues to speak about teaching law at the University of Oregon from 1959 to 1976. He talks about working as a visiting professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, and in Fribourg, Switzerland, and Hamburg, Germany.

In sessions 15-20, Linde discusses his service as a justice on the Oregon Supreme Court from 1977 to 1990. He talks about cases the court heard, about his 1984 re-election campaign, and about his fellow justices. He speaks about criminal justice and sentencing. He also discusses his health and talks about recoving from heart attacks and strokes during his time on the court. He speaks at length about his involvement with the American Law Institute, and talks about the ALI style manual.

In sessions 21-23, Linde discusses his activities since his retirement from the Oregon Supreme Court in 1990, including speaking engagements, consulting on law in Russia and China, and his involvement with Oregon Public Broadcasting. He speaks about a trip to Australia in 1996 and his experience having bypass surgery while in Australia. He discusses his involvement with the Oregon Law Commission from 1997 to the time of the interview. He discusses his role at Willamette University at the time of the interview, and talks about the development of the university's law school.

This oral history interview with John A. Jelderks was conducted by Donna Sinclair from December 19-27, 2006, and Jan Dilg from May 28 to September 16, 2009, as part of the United States District Court Oral History Project. The interview was conducted in five sessions. The first two sessions were recorded on audiocassette; Audiocassette 1 is missing, but its content is reflected in the interview transcript. The third and fourth sessions were recorded as digital audio files. The fifth session was recorded simultaneously as digital audio files and on videocassette; the audio files contain additional content.

In the first interview session, conducted on December 19, 2006, Jelderks discusses his family background and early life in Salem, Oregon, including his education, recreational activities, and summer jobs. He also shares his memories of life in Salem during World War II, including neighbors who fought in the war, and the U.S. government's incarceration of Japanese Americans.

In the second interview session, conducted on December 27, 2006, Jelderks discusses his experiences studying psychology and later law at Willamette University, including his involvement in a fraternity, his service in the Oregon Air National Guard and the U.S. Air Force Reserve, and some of his law school professors and classmates. He shares his opinion on sentencing guidelines, discusses how the practice of law changed, and briefly talks about his first marriage and raising a family. He talks about his experience as a law clerk for Oregon Supreme Court Justice Gordon Sloan and about his relationship with other justices. He talks about his career as a district attorney for Marion and Hood River counties, and talks about some of the cases he prosecuted, including a rape case.

In the third interview session, conducted on May 28, 2009, Jelderks continues to discuss his service as Hood River County district attorney from 1966 to 1971. He describes some of the cases he prosecuted, then discusses working as a lawyer in a private practice in Hood River for a short time. He speaks about serving as a judge in Oregon's 7th judicial district. He describes the appointment process, discusses adjusting to a judge's workload, and talks about his re-election campaigns. He also discusses his unsuccessful 1988 campaign for a seat on the Oregon Supreme Court. He talks about cases he heard, particularly domestic relations cases, and about writing decisions.

In the fourth interview session, conducted on August 20, 2009, Jelderks continues to discuss serving as a judge in Oregon's 7th judicial district. He speaks at length about hearing cases regarding the Rajneeshees. He then revisits the topic of his unsuccessful campaign for a seat on the Oregon Supreme Court. He talks about the changes in his family during the 1970s and 1980s, including his second marriage, and the death of one of his children in a car collision.

In the fifth and final interview session, conducted on September 16, 2009, Jelderks discusses his involvement with the Hood River Rotary Club. He speaks at length about serving as a magistrate judge for the U.S. District Court of Oregon from 1991 to the time of the interview. He describes the appointment process, discusses the role of magistrate judges in Oregon, and talks about judges he worked with. He describes the differences between the state and federal courts, and speaks at length about his decision in the Kennewick Man case, which regarded the custody of ancient Native American remains. He closes the interview by sharing his thoughts on restorative justice, on the concept of judicial activism, and on electing judges.

This oral history interview with Neva Elliott was conducted by S. Diane Rynerson from April 10 to July 10, 1992, as part of the United States District Court Oral History Project. The interview was conducted in seven sessions. The audio for session 7 is missing; its contents are included in an incomplete transcript of the interview.

In the first interview session, conducted on April 10, 1992, Elliott discusses her family background and early life in Damascus, Oregon, including the store and dance hall that her parents operated, her family's farm, and her social life. She describes family vacations, and shares her memories of family homes in Twin Rocks, Oregon, and in the Irvington neighborhood of Portland. She talks about the impact the Great Depression had on her family. She discusses her experiences at Jefferson High School in Portland, including acting as public speaker for the school's community chest. She then talks about her love for writing, especially poetry. She shares why she decided to attend Reed College, and talks about what she studied.

In the second interview session, conducted on May 1, 1992, Elliott continues to discuss her experiences at Reed College, including her involvement in literary activities, a fast reading class she took and how it influenced her legal research, and her social life. She speaks at length about Reed College, including its reputation, social activities, and academic system. She then talks about her experience on the debate team, and particularly the Reed College Players, a student group that produced dramas. She also shares her memories about meeting James Beard through Reed College Players. She then talks about attending Northwestern College of Law in Portland while working as a secretary for Charles Spackman. She briefly talks about meeting her husband, Neil Chinnock, in law school. She discusses her early law career as a secretary for Frank Seaver, and as a court referee for U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Esta Snedeker. She talks about her experience as a lawyer, including bankruptcy cases and criminal cases. She also talks about starting her own law practice in Portland during World War II.

In the third interview session, conducted on May 15, 1992, Elliott shares her memories of appearing before Judge Alger Fee. She speaks at length about cases she worked on, including a criminal case she argued before Judge Robert S. Bain. She talks about the challenges she faced as a woman in the field of law. She also shares her memories of Judge Claude McCulloch. She then talks about her appointment as judge in the municipal court, and briefly discusses serving as a pro tem judge on the Multnomah County District Court.

In the fourth interview session, conducted on June 4, 1992, Elliott speaks at length about some of her cases as a lawyer, including being hired by a woman called as a witness against Chicago mobster Mickey Cohen, and the woman's subsequent murder. She talks about her involvement in several clubs, including the advertising club, about women attorneys she was acquainted with, and about handling her inheritance from her mother. She also talks about receiving an estate from a former client.

In the fifth interview session, conducted on June 26, 1992, Elliott speaks further about women lawyers she was acquainted with, including Shirley Field, Jean L. Lewis, and Helen Althaus. She also talks at length about Portland Mayor Dorothy McCullough Lee, and about Oregon's first woman judge, Mary Jane Spurlin. She discusses serving as chair of the Lewis and Clark College alumni class of 1935.

In the sixth interview session, conducted on July 10, 1992, Elliott talks about her involvement with several clubs and organizations, including the women's advertising club and the Advertisement Association of the West. She then talks about her friendship with Robert Gros, a retired vice president of Pacific Gas and Electric. She speaks at length about trips to Central America, India, and Europe. She also briefly discusses hearing about the death of John F. Kennedy during her travels, and shares her obsrvations of reactions to the news around the world. She then talks about her interest in Asian cultures and antiques, and describes her antique and book collections.

This oral history interview with Robert C. Belloni was conducted by Jim Strassmaier from September 19, 1988, to July 28, 1989. In this interview, Belloni discusses his family background and early life in Coos County, Oregon, including his education. He talks about studying pre-med at the University of Oregon and his service as a U.S. Army medical officer in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He describes landing in Japan just as it surrendered. He talks about returning to civilian life and deciding to go to law school, attending the University of Oregon, and his friendship with Ted Goodwin. He discusses his early law career in Coos County. He also talks about his early political career, holding the offices of chair of the Democratic Central Committee for Coos County and mayor of Myrtle Point. He also talks about his relationship with Wayne Morse. He discusses serving as a Circuit Court judge in Southern Oregon from 1957 to 1967, particularly presiding over juvenile cases. He then discusses serving on the U.S. District Court of Oregon from 1967 to the time of the interview, including the politics of his appointment. He discusses his fellow District Court judges, including Gus Solomon, John Kilkenney, and Otto Skopil. He also talks about the variety of cases that came before him, including on land fraud, asbestos, consumer protections, and several cases involving Native American rights. He discusses his law clerks, judicial process, and ethics. Belloni discusses serving as chief judge on the District Court from 1971 to 1976, and the duties and responsibilities of that position, including his work in establishing the magistrate system and the sentencing council. He closes the interview by discussing changes in the court systems over the 20th century, his experience as a senior judge, and his personal life.

In addition to the audio recordings of the interview, this collection includes several photographs of Belloni and a signed photograph of Robert D. Holmes.

This oral history interview with William G. East was conducted by Rick Harmon in East's chambers in Eugene, Oregon, in two sessions from November 8-15, 1984, as part of the United States District Court Oral History Project.

In the first interview session, conducted on November 8, 1984, East discusses his family background and early life in Salem, Oregon, including his education and interest in journalism and sports. He then discusses attending the University of Oregon from 1927 to 1932 and studying law. He talks about the Depression hitting in the middle of his studies, his social life, and his developing political outlook. He also talks about Orlando Hollis and Wayne Morse as law professors. He then discusses practicing law in Eugene from 1932 to 1942, including law firms he worked at and cases he tried. He describes his experience in the U.S. Army during World War II, including his training, service in Germany, and his involvement in the capture of Hermann Göring. He describes his return to civilian life and law practice, as well as his position as city attorney for Eugene.

In the second interview session, conducted on November 15, 1984, East talks about his service on the Oregon Circuit Court from 1949 to 1955, including his appointment, conflict with the press, and various cases he heard. East goes on to discuss his service on the U.S. District Court of Oregon from 1955 to 1967, including his appointment. He particularly focuses on a scandal that nearly derailed his appointment and on a meeting with President Dwight D. Eisenhower. He also discusses cases he heard, including a negligence case involving Booth-Kelly Lumber Company that he heard twice, and a case on public defender compensation. He describes the changes to court procedures implemented by Judge Gus Solomon. He then discusses his decision to take senior status in 1967, as well as his activities since then, including cases on Native American rights and sovereignty. He closes the interview with a discussion of his judicial philosophy, his involvement with various civic organizations, and his hobbies and family life.

This oral history interview with Alice Tomkins Fee was conducted by Rick Harmon in Portland, Oregon, from February 8 to March 8, 1985. In this interview, Fee discusses her family background and early life in Portland and Cascade Locks, Oregon, including her education, her memories of World War I, and the lack of career options available to women. She discusses attending the Oregon Normal School in Monmouth, including her teachers and social life, and studying music at the University of Oregon. She then talks about her career as a teacher and principal at schools in Malin, Pine Grove, and Hood River, Oregon. She also discusses the numerous health issues she's had over the years. She speaks about working as a typist in the clerk's office for the U.S. District Court of Oregon, then as a stenographer for naturalization and bankruptcy cases, and then as a law clerk. She discusses the judges she worked with, the Pioneer Courthouse, and the procedures of the court. She speaks at length about her husband, Judge James Alger Fee, including his family background, early life, and judicial career, as well as cases he presided over and her work as his secretary. She discusses the circumstances surrounding Judge Fee's heart attack in 1959 and his funeral at Arlington National Cemetery. She closes the interview by talking about her activities since her husband's death, including traveling, cooking and reading.

This oral history interview with Alfred T. Goodwin was conducted by Rick Harmon at the Pioneer Courthouse in Portland, Oregon, from May 10, 1985, to September 3, 1986. The audio for this interview is incomplete; Tape 22 was discovered to be blank in 2020, but its content is represented in both an incomplete transcript and a completed index.

In this interview, Goodwin discusses his family background and early life in Bellingham, Washington, and Portland and Prineville, Oregon, including his early education, his memories of the Depression, and life on a farm. He talks about studying journalism at the University of Oregon, including his social life. He speaks at length about his Army service in Europe during World War II, including his experiences in combat and freeing prisoners. He also talks about his marriages and family life. He discusses returning to the University of Oregon to study law, and how his background in journalism influenced his decision-making as a judge. He speaks at length about working for the Eugene Register-Guard newspaper, as well as his support for and later disillusionment with U.S. Senator Wayne Morse.

Goodwin discusses practicing law in Eugene. He talks about cases he argued, including as a court-appointed lawyer. He also talks about his involvement in the Republican Party, including serving as a precinct committee member. He discusses serving as a judge on the Lane County Circuit Court, including his appointment and later re-election, cases he heard, and his decision-making process. He then discusses serving on the Oregon Supreme Court, including his appointment and later re-election, his fellow justices, and some of the cases they heard. He talks about opinions he wrote, as well as his involvement in the effort to revise the Oregon state constitution in the 1960s. He discusses the changes in laws regarding the criminal code and civil rights, and how that affected the decisions of the Oregon Supreme Court. He also discusses his views on the Vietnam War, the criminalization of drug use, and the civil rights movement of the 1960s. He discusses serving as a judge on the U.S. District Court, including his appointment and confirmation, his fellow judges, and some of the cases he heard. He discusses serving as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, including his appointment and confirmation; cases he heard, particularly concerning immigration and anti-trust law; and his opinion on Roe v. Wade. He also discusses the role of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, his fellow judges, and his involvement with the American Bar Association. He talks about continuing education opportunities for members of the judiciary; his children, their careers, and their families; and his involvement with the Presbyterian Church. He closes the interview by discussing his move to California.

This oral history interview with John F. Kilkenny was conducted by Rick Harmon in Portland, Oregon, in 15 sessions from June 12 to October 3, 1984. A transcript is available. The original audio of the recording is incomplete due to irretrievable damage to Tape 14, side 2. Tape 17 is a re-enactment of that audio. The re-enactment was created after the damage to the original tape was discovered. It was based upon an earlier transcript created before the damage occurred, which no longer exists. The accuracy of the re-enactment cannot be verified.

In the first interview session, conducted on June 12, 1984, Kilkenny discusses his family background and early life on a sheep farm in Heppner, Oregon. He talks about the Heppner community's relationship with local Native people; describes the sheep-cattle wars; and talks about his recreational activities.

In the second interview session, conducted on June 15, 1984, Kilkenny continues to discuss his early life, including his early education in a one-room school, his Catholic upbringing, and his family's political beliefs. He describes his experiences attending Columbia Preparatory, a boarding school in Portland.

In the third interview session, conducted on June 21, 1984, Kilkenny briefly discusses his memories of World War I. He speaks further about sheep ranching, then talks about attending the University of Notre Dame in Indiana, including playing football under Knute Rockne.

In the fourth interview session, conducted on June 26, 1984, Kilkenny continues to discuss attending Notre Dame in Indiana, including studying law and his social life. He talks about preparing for the Oregon Bar by taking prep courses at Northwestern College of Law. He discusses his early law career in Pendleton and notable cases he worked on, including bankruptcy and Prohibition cases. He also talks about his political views and Republican affiliation.

In the fifth interview session, conducted on June 29, 1984, Kilkenny continues to discuss his political views and Republican affiliation. He describes the effects of the Depression on his family. He talks about serving as city attorney for Pendleton from 1930 to 1934; speaks about his marriage to Virginia Brannock; and discusses working as a lawyer in private practice.

In the sixth interview session, conducted on July 5, 1984, Kilkenny continues to discuss working as a lawyer in private practice and talks about some of the cases he worked on. He speaks about how World War II affected people in Eastern Oregon.

In the seventh interview session, conducted on July 27, 1984, Kilkenny discusses his involvement with the Oregon State Bar.

In the eighth interview session, conducted on August 3, 1984, Kilkenny speaks at length about his 1959 appointment to the U.S. District Court of Oregon.

In the ninth interview session, conducted on August 9, 1984, Kilkenny discusses serving as a judge on the U.S. District Court of Oregon. He briefly describes judges he worked with, including Hall Lusk and Gus Solomon, and discusses cases involving admiralty law.

In the tenth interview session, conducted on August 21, 1984, Kilkenny continues to discuss serving as a judge on the U.S. District Court of Oregon. He talks about cases involving labor law.

In the eleventh interview session, conducted on August 28, 1984, Kilkenny continues to discuss serving as a judge on the U.S. District Court of Oregon. He talks about cases involving the first amendment and criminal law. He also speaks further about serving with Hall Lusk. He then discusses his 1969 appointment to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

In the twelfth interview session, conducted on September 4, 1984, Kilkenny discusses serving as a judge on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. He discusses cases involving the draft and talks about procedures of the court.

In the thirteenth interview session, conducted on September 11, 1984, Kilkenny continues to discuss serving as a judge on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. He talks about serving as a guest judge in other circuit courts, about his senior status, and about his decision-making process.

In the fourteenth interview session, conducted on September 27, 1984, Kilkenny continues to discuss serving as a judge on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. He talks about how his sentencing style has changed over time and about new precedents set by recent courts.

In the fifteenth interview session, conducted on October 3, 1984, Kilkenny continues to discuss serving as a judge on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. He shares his thoughts on the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal. He discusses his involvement in the preservation of the Pioneer Courthouse in Portland. He closes the interview by talking about his recent activities and family life.

This oral history interview with Otto Skopil was conducted by Rick Harmon and Jim Strassmaier in Skopil's chambers at the Pioneer Courthouse in Portland, Oregon, from August 19, 1985, to November 27, 1989. The audio for this interview is incomplete; Tape 26 was discovered to be blank in 2020, but its contents are reflected in an incomplete transcript and in an index.

In the interview, Skopil discusses his family background and early life in Salem, Oregon, including his time at Salem High School and the effect of the Depression and the New Deal on the Salem area. Skopil talks about attending Willamette University in great detail. He discusses his World War II experience in the Navy from 1942 to 1945, between earning his bachelor's degree in economics and returning to Willamette earn his bachelor of laws. Skopil describes practicing law in Salem for 26 years, from 1946 to 1972, including partnering with his uncle, Ralph Skopil, and later with Bruce Williams. He discusses some of the cases he argued, particularly his only U.S. Supreme Court case, which involved State Farm Insurance. He then briefly discusses his personal life, including his two marriages, first to June Johnson, then to Jan Lundy, and his involvement in various religious and civic organizations, including the Board of Governors for the Oregon Bar. He also discusses his involvement with the Republican Party and his opposition to both the Korean and Vietnam wars, as well as how the draft affected his son, Ric Skopil. He talks about serving as a judge for the U.S. Circuit Court of Oregon, including his confirmation; the procedures of the court; sentencing; and the development of the magistrate system. He also discusses some of the cases he presided over on topics including the environment, white-collar crime, and securities. He talks at length about the case of Chuck Armsbury. He also discusses working with his fellow judges, particularly Gus Solomon and Robert Belloni, as well as his relationships with Mark Hatfield and Griffin Bell. Skopil then describes his time as a judge for the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, including the relationship between that court and Congress; the increase of litigation during the 1980s; and the public perception of the court. He discusses some of the cases that came before the court on topics including mental health, capital punishment, timber, and drugs. He also talks about some of his fellow judges, particularly Ted Goodwin and James Browning. Skopil closes the interview by describing the importance of law clerks; discussing sentencing guidelines; and talking about his family life.

This oral history interview with Gus J. Solomon was conducted by Rick Harmon at the U.S. District Courthouse in Portland, Oregon, from July 23 to October 18, 1984. In this interview, Solomon discusses his family background and early life in Portland, including his memories of World War I, his Jewish upbringing, his father's store, and his education. He then discusses attending Reed College, his interest in history, and his subsequent transfer to the University of Chicago. He discusses studying law at Columbia University, including his social life in New York, then transferring to Stanford University, including his developing political beliefs. He also discusses his family's financial difficulties during this time period. He talks about the difficulty in finding a job in a law office during the Depression, and about some of the cases he worked on, particularly cases involving civil rights. He also talks about his involvement with the Democratic Party, the Oregon Commonwealth Foundation, and the American Civil Liberties Union. He describes his work toward establishing a legal aid program in Oregon, his work on public power, and his efforts getting jobs for young lawyers, particularly those from underrepresented groups. He describes being rejected for military service in World War II and cases he worked on related to internment of Japanese-Americans, particularly after the war.

Solomon discusses serving as a judge for the U.S. District Court of Oregon. He talks about his election to the bench and the opposition he faced; the adjustment from lawyer to judge; and his relationship with his fellow judges. He describes in detail his techniques for speeding up the judicial process, with some case examples. He then discusses his activities as a senior judge, beginning in 1971, which he describes as being largely the same as when he was an active judge. He talks about hearing cases in other districts, particularly in Southern California; the McCarthy era; and cases with political implications, particularly cases regarding the draft. He talks about serving as chief judge from 1959 to 1971, and the changes he made to rules and procedures of the court. He describes some of the law clerks he's had over his career, including Jerome Kohlberg, Jr. He speaks briefly about his early opposition to clubs with discriminatory policies. Solomon provides advice to lawyers on how to win cases, and discusses lawyers he has worked with. He talks about sentencing, judicial activism, and interpreting law.

Solomon closes the interview by talking about his personal life and activities. He discusses the many organizations he has belonged to, including the Reed College Alumni Association and Amnesty International. He also talks about organizations he regularly donates to, including the Jewish Federation. He describes his family life and the activities of his children and grandchildren.