Obituaries
Sep. 21, 2026
Joyce L. Kennard, 1941 - 2026
Retired justice, who rose from childhood poverty and wartime internment to become the first Asian American on California's highest court, was known during her 25-year tenure for her independence, persistent questioning and willingness to dissent.
Former California Supreme Court Justice Joyce L. Kennard, whose improbable journey from a World War II internment camp to the state's highest court was matched by a 25-year tenure marked by fierce independence and a willingness to stand alone, has died. She was 85.
The California Supreme Court announced her death Friday.
"Justice Kennard's life was a testament to resilience, and she brought that same strength to 25 years of service to this court," Chief Ju...
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