Justice Isaac Rubin was born in Mount Vernon around the year 1914. He earned degrees from New York University and a doctorate in law from St. John’s University School of Law. Before joining the bench, he worked for 30 years as a partner in his law firm.
Rubin served as a judge of the City Court in Rye in 1970. Three years later, he was named to the Westchester County Court, and won election to a full term in 1974. In 1976, he was elected to the State Supreme Court in Westchester. He also served as the supervising judge for the Ninth District Criminal Division, reducing backlogs in five counties. Rubin was designated by Governor Carey to the Appellate Division, Second Department in 1982 and reappointed by Governor Mario Cuomo two years later. He finally retired in 1990 at the age of 77 after challenging the constitutional requirement that state judges retire at age 76, stating that the issue was not one of age, but of “experience, competency, proficiency and physical condition” (Buder). Following his retirement, he continued to serve as a Judicial Hearing Officer.
Additionally, Justice Rubin served as president of the Westchester County Bar Association from 1971 until 1973 and on the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct for 11 years. He also served in the Army Air Corps during World War II.
He was married to Lucille and had two children. He died on February 19, 2000 at the age of 86.
Sources
Buder, Leonard. “U.S. Challenges New Yorks Retirement of Judge.” New York Times (1923-Current file): 42. ProQuest Historical Newspapers: The New York Times (1851-2008). Nov 05 1989. Web. 15 June 2012.
Toy, Vivian S. “Isaac Rubin, 86, Westchester Appeals Court Judge.” New York Times (1923-Current file): A20. ProQuest Historical Newspapers: The New York Times (1851-2008). Feb 22 2000. Web. 15 June 2012.