Politics & Government
With Courthouse Closure, What Will Happen to Malibu Judge's Legacy?
Judge John Merrick was known as "The Law West of Topanga." During his judgeship he participated in many famous cases, including signing of the search warrant for Charles Manson and subsequent trials of Manson Family members.
The legacy of Malibu's original judge, John Merrick, may be in danger with the upcoming closure of the Malibu Courthouse.
The courthouse is named after Merrick, who died last summer at the age of 93. A portrait of the judge, which was painted by artist John Kelly, hangs in Department 1, where Judge Lawrence Mira presides.
"I am sure that the portrait of Judge Merrick will be handled respectfully and thoughtfully, but I am not able to tell you at this time where it will end up," L.A. Superior Court spokeswoman Mary Hearn told Malibu Patch.
The judge's son, Brian Merrick, who is a realtor in Malibu, said that answer is not good enough.
"It’s a nice little tribute to him," Brian Merrick said. "It’s the only thing left in Malibu that has any kind of tribute to him and all that he did."
The Merrick family would like to have the portrait back instead of it going into storage, he said.
"We’d rather just have it returned," Merrick said.
The Merrick family has lived in Malibu since 1945 on Latigo Beach and Point Dume.
"When nobody wanted to be in Malibu, he was here," Brian Merrick said at his father's passing last year. "Before there was a city council, he pretty much ran the town. He was the judge. The county always consulted with him with the things that they were doing. He’s responsible for so many things that we see today in modern Malibu."
Judge John Merrick was known as "The Law West of Topanga." During his judgeship he participated in many famous cases including signing of the search warrant for Charles Manson and subsequent trials of Manson Family members.
As a justice, he presided over many high profile wedding ceremonies including Lee Marvin, Charlie Sheen, Sean Penn and Madonna.
He started up several charitable organizations throughout Malibu including the Optimist Club, Pepperdine Crest Associates, Malibu Historical Society, Heart Association, Malibu Lagoon Museum, and the Township Council.
What do you think should be done with Judge John Merrick's portrait? How can his legacy be preserved in Malibu?
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