He served until his death in 1999 at the age of 84. From 1977 until 1982. Judge Atkins was the chief judge for the Southern District. and his leadership ensured that the court remained effective through a period when Miami confronted serious problems involving refugees. violence. and drug smuggling. Judge Atkins rendered important decisions in the areas of civil rights and civil liberties. By the luck of the draw. he was assigned to many controversial cases. earning him the nickname "Hard Luck Clyde." and it was for those rulings. often involving Important civil rights and civil liberties issues. that he will be best remembered. For example. in a decision involving Miamis homeless population. he ordered the creation of "safe zones" where the homeless could congregate without fear of arrest. This important decision had a ripple effect. helping to give rise to efforts throughout the Nation to rehabilitate the homeless through training and the creation of shelters. He also ruled in support of Cuban and Haitian refugees who were held at Guantanamo Bay. Cuba. and against the governments repatriation policy. And finally. he presided over the desegregation of Dade Countys public schools for more than 20 years.
Keywords matched
refugees