Jacksonville Bar Elects First African-American President
Attorney Reginald Luster (pictured, left), a Jacksonville native, was sworn in as the bar's president Thursday. He said as president, he hopes to leave a lasting impact on the local community."We have an obligation to make sure that the poor have access to the judicial system, so I will be an advocate and I will be a drum major for that obligation," explained Luster. "I get to serve lawyers, but I also get to serve the community."Luster has taken many civil cases and malpractice lawsuits. He also recently won his first murder case.Defendant Charles Arline was accused of first-degree murder in the death of an infant, but Luster's partner was convinced the man was innocent."He told me he didn't want to take the case because he couldn't live with himself if the person was convicted, and I asked him did he think he was innocent. ... He said, 'Sure, but the State of Florida is going to call five medical experts,'" Luster recalled.Luster's medical experience proved invaluable in court, and his testimony, along with other evidence, exonerated Arline."It was a moment of ecstasy. I mean, we were absolutely delighted," Luster said.For the past year, Luster has been the president elect of the Bar Association.While embarking on his new post, he'll continue to represent Arline in a suit against the city. Copyright 2004 by News4Jax.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.






Former NFL quarterback Steve McNair and a woman were found shot to death Saturday inside a residence in Nashville, police say.
Cities and towns across northeast Florida and southeast Georgia put on fireworks displays, parades, concerts and other celebrations of America's birthday.
Authorities in Gainesville still searching for the gunmen.
One person is dead following a traffic crash in the middle of the Fuller Warren Bridge.
Jacksonville begins Independence Day festivities on Friday, with much more in store for the holiday.
An afternoon of country music is capped by SkyBlast, Jacksonville's fireworks display.
One day after 76 dogs were confiscated from a south Putnam County mobile home, plenty of people are offering homes for the animals, but they may only be temporary.
The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office has arrested four people accused of shoplifting at a Westside department store is also suspected of hitting stores at the St. Johns Town Center.
Sarah Palin is stepping down as Alaska governor.
It formed in southern Duval County and slowly moved north -- mostly on or near the St. Johns River -- so thousands of people could witness its power.
Viewers throughout Duval County saw, snapped and sent in photos of the waterspout that moved up the river Friday afternoon.
Capturing N.E. Florida's wanted suspects is a tough task, so the local station is trying to help with the Wheel of Justice. Every Thursday morning the wheel spins and a wanted fugitive is profiled.
View All Fugitives On 'Wheel'