This collection contains the papers of Rose Elizabeth Bird, the 25th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of California (1977-1987) and first female justice, attorney, writer, educator, political commentator and humanitarian. The papers document Bird’s personal life and professional career primarily from the time she moved to California to attend University of California, Berkeley in 1959 through shortly before her passing from complications of breast cancer in 1999.

Rose Elizabeth Bird was the 25th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of California, first female justice and first female Chief Justice (1977-1987). Bird was also California’s only chief justice to be removed from office by voters, after multiple attempts to unseat her by opponents were ultimately successful in the 1986 California recall election.

27 linear feet (22 cartons, 2 boxes, 2 oversize boxes, 1 oversize folder)

Some materials in these collections may be protected by the U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.). In addition, the reproduction of some materials may be restricted by terms of University of California gift or purchase agreements, donor restrictions, privacy and publicity rights, licensing and trademarks. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by copyright beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owners. Works not in the public domain cannot be commercially exploited without permission of the copyright owner. Responsibility for any use rests exclusively with the user. All requests to reproduce, publish, quote from, or otherwise use collection materials must be submitted in writing to the Head of Public Services, The Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley 94720-6000. See: http://bancroft.berkeley.edu/reference/permissions.html

Collection is open for research.