Franklin P. Backus

Franklin P. Backus (December 22, 1913 – October 7, 2007) was a long-time judge and one-term mayor of Alexandria, Virginia. He is credited with helping to establish Virginia's statewide juvenile court system.[1]

Franklin P. Backus
Mayor of Alexandria, Virginia
In office
July 1, 1949 – July 1, 1951
Preceded byWilliam T. Wilkins
Succeeded byMarshall J. Beverley
Judge, Alexandria Circuit Court
In office
1952–1978
Personal details
BornDecember 22, 1913
Washington, DC
DiedOctober 7, 2007 (aged 93)
Alexandria, Virginia
Political partyDemocratic
Alma materGeorge Washington University

Early life

Backus was born in Washington, DC and moved to Alexandria, Virginia at the age of 7. He graduated from George Washington University in 1932 and received his law degree from the University of Virginia in 1936.[2] Backus had a small law practice and helped found the Alexandria Jaycees in 1940, serving as its first president.

Military and public service

He was commissioned an officer in the U.S. Navy and served in World War II. At the conclusion of the war, Backus returned to Alexandria and resumed the practice of law. In 1949, he was elected Mayor of Alexandria as a Democrat and served one term. His tenure as mayor was notable for Alexandria's annexation of territory west of Quaker Lane from Fairfax County, Virginia.[3] This was the last significant annexation by the City of Alexandria. At the conclusion of his term as Mayor, in 1952, Backus was appointed a Judge of the Circuit Court for Alexandria.

Judicial service

Judge Backus had helped establish Virginia's juvenile court system[4] and helped establish the Virginia Judicial Inquiry and Review Commission in 1972, which investigates allegations of judicial misconduct. He served as President of the Commission twice.

Backus retired as chief judge of the Alexandria Circuit Court in 1978. He continued to hear cases, traveling across the state until 1983.

Death and legacy

Backus died in Alexandria on October 7, 2007. The circuit courthouse in Alexandria is named in honor of Judge Backus.

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References
  1. "Obituary of Franklin Backus in the University of Virginia Magazine". Archived from the original on 2012-07-08. Retrieved 2011-09-26.
  2. "Obituary of Franklin Backus in the University of Virginia Magazine". Archived from the original on 2012-07-08. Retrieved 2011-09-26.
  3. Obituary of Franklin Backus in the Washington Post
  4. Obituary of Franklin Backus in the Washington Post
Political offices
Preceded by
William T. Wilkins		 Mayor of the City of Alexandria, Virginia
1949–1951		 Succeeded by
Marshall J. Beverley
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