Janice Marion Wright LaMoree
Janice Marion Wright LaMoree is the daughter of J. Marion Wright. For fifty-seven years, 1913-1970, her father was attorney and friend of Nisei and Issei Japanese in the United States. He was grateful for their trust in him and proud to be their advocate. Mr. Wright’s family is honored that the Japanese American National Museum is preserving the record of his achievements in the pursuit of justice.
Updated March 18, 2010
Stories from This Author
J. Marion Wright: Los Angeles' Patient Crusader 1890-1970 - Part 6
April 23, 2010 • Janice Marion Wright LaMoree
Read Part 5 >>As the second and third generation of Japanese in the United States grew to maturity, a number of these young people became lawyers. They had none of the restrictions and difficulties which their predecessors had faced. They could help their own people. Marion Wright’s work with the Japanese tapered off somewhat but he still retained the respect and trust of his long-time clients and their families and continued to do legal work for them throughout the rest …
J. Marion Wright: Los Angeles' Patient Crusader 1890-1970 - Part 5
April 16, 2010 • Janice Marion Wright LaMoree
Read Part 4 >>With the attack on Pearl Harbor, the attention of the entire nation was focused on the Japanese. Wright’s energies were directed almost exclusively toward the problems, which the Japanese in California faced as a result of the conflict. Most Americans and all Japanese in the United States and abroad know the sad story of the Japanese internment during World War II. By 1941 there were many Nisei, people of Japanese ancestry, who were citizens of the United …
J. Marion Wright: Los Angeles' Patient Crusader 1890-1970 - Part 4
April 9, 2010 • Janice Marion Wright LaMoree
Read Part 3 >>After this case Marion’s services were in such demand that the majority of his practice was with the Japanese who were grateful to him for his interest in their welfare. Two actions which were forerunners of Marion’s most memorable legal victories were cases of escheat. This legal term has been used since the beginning of old English law. Escheat describes an action in which the governing body, in this case the State of California, takes over possession …
J. Marion Wright: Los Angeles' Patient Crusader 1890-1970 - Part 3
April 2, 2010 • Janice Marion Wright LaMoree
Read Part 2 >>In 1913, the year of graduation from law school for Miyasaki and Wright, the Alien Land Act was passed by the California legislature. In short, it provided that land in the state could be owned only by those who were eligible for citizenship. The important phrase, eligible for citizenship, was a part of the Naturalization Act which was passed by the first United States Congress in 1790. Citizenship was to be given only to those who were …
J. Marion Wright: Los Angeles' Patient Crusader 1890-1970 - Part 2
March 26, 2010 • Janice Marion Wright LaMoree
Read Part 1 >>It was in USC Law School that some friendships developed which were to change the course of many lives. Marion Wright became acquainted with two Japanese students, both aliens, who were studying law in the United States. One of these, Motohiko Miyasaki, returned to Japan soon after graduation. The other man, Sei Fujii, became a close friend. Fuji later became the founder and editor of the Japanese newspaper, Kashu Mainichi, and an ally on the long road …
J. Marion Wright: Los Angeles' Patient Crusader 1890-1970 - Part 1
March 19, 2010 • Janice Marion Wright LaMoree
Firehorses need exercise. For the youngsters on 15th Street in early Los Angeles, it was a thrill of a lifetime to sit on a big broad horse, legs astraddle, as the animal galloped up and down dusty Hill Street. Young boys were glad to “help” the firemen in this way. J. Marion Wright was one of these juvenile public servants. Although in later years as he drove down 15th Street he reflected upon the legalities and insurance aspects of such …
