Dorothy Beasley

Dorothy Toth Beasley was a prominent figure in the legal world, known for her groundbreaking achievements and lasting contributions to the judiciary.

Born in Cheyenne, Wyoming, she spent her early years in Takoma Park, Maryland, before embarking on a journey that would lead her to Atlanta, Georgia. After completing her undergraduate studies at St. Lawrence University, Dorothy earned her law degree (LLB) from American University Washington College of Law. Her early career involved working for the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., and serving as a law clerk for circuit court judges in Arlington, Virginia.

In 1977, her path took a historic turn when she became the first woman appointed and subsequently elected as a judge to the State Court of Fulton County, Georgia. Her relentless dedication and innovative ideas led to the introduction of civil mediation and community service sentencing during her tenure.

In another milestone achievement, Governor Joe Frank Harris appointed Beasley as the first woman judge on the Georgia Court of Appeals in1984. She served on the appellate court for almost 15 years, earning respect and admiration for her wisdom and independence in delivering justice.

Throughout her illustrious career, Beasley maintained strong ties with Emory University. Notably, she pursued further education at Emory Law School, earning an LLM degree in international law in 2008. This association with Emory allowed her to serve with the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, showcasing her dedication to global legal matters.

Aside from her legal achievements, Beasley co-founded Atlanta’s Table, a project of the Atlanta Community Food Bank, demonstrating her commitment to addressing societal needs. She was also a driving force in raising awareness of child sex-trafficking, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding vulnerable populations.

Beasley’s involvement with Emory Law Alumni Board and the EPIC Advisory Board further exemplified her dedication to the university’s community. Additionally, she worked on promoting iCivics, an innovative teaching program founded by Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, in Georgia schools to educate and empower young citizens about civics and government.

Upon her retirement, Beasley continued her journey as a volunteer with the refugee resettlement program of Inspiritus (formerly Lutheran Services of Georgia) and the Red Cross, promoting international humanitarian law. She passed away on May 19, 2024.