Edward W. Scruggs (June 14, 1903 – April 17, 1974) was a justice of the Arizona Supreme Court from August 5, 1964 to January 4, 1965. Scruggs served the third shortest tenure in the court's history.The Arizona Supreme Court: Its 2000–2001 Decisions, 34 Ariz. St. L.J. 369, 373 (2002)
Scruggs was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico Territory and moved to Tucson with his parents as a child. Scruggs first worked as a laborer for the local railroad express company and in an automobile garage. Obtaining training as a stenographer, Scruggs found work with the U.S. immigration service in Tucson and then started working for the federal district court. Scruggs was admitted to the Arizona bar in 1933.Tucson Daily Citizen, March 24, 1947 p. 10
Scruggs served as clerk of the United States District Court in Arizona from 1936 until January 1946, serving under Judges W. H. Sawtelle, Fred C. Jacobs, Albert M. Sames, David Ling, and Howard Speakman. After leaving the federal court clerk, Scruggs started his own law practice in Tucson.Tucson Daily Citizen, March 24, 1947 p. 10
In 1947, Scruggs was a Republican candidate for the Tucson city council, campaigning for "larger fire and police departments, more street paving, adequate water and sewer systems, and many other Improvements."Tucson Daily Citizen, March 24, 1947 p. 10
In 1953, Scruggs was the United States Attorney for the District of Arizona.
Governor Paul Fannin appointed Scruggs to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Renz L. Jennings. Jennings retired to seek the Democratic nomination for U. S. senator.Tucson Daily Citizen, August 6, 1964 p. 18 Scruggs sought reelection but faced former Senator and Governor Ernest McFarland who defeated Scruggs in the election.
Scruggs later became a special counsel to the Pima County Attorney's Office.Arizona Republic, April 27, 1966 He died in Tucson on April 17, 1974.
References
External links Photo of Justice Edward W. Scruggs Supreme Courts Judicial History