The Renowned John Burris Recognized by the 'Godfather of Police Litigation'

Prior to George Floyd and Benjamin Crump, there were Rodney King and John Burris. Community members convened on June 16 at the California Museum for the debut of “The Godfather of Police Litigation,” a documentary that celebrates the remarkable life of prominent civil rights attorney Burris. Utilizing archival videos and photographs, the film chronicles Burris’ transformative legal journey, which spans over four decades and has significantly influenced the discourse on police accountability and civil rights. From his early days at UC Berkeley to championing King in the 1990s, Burris has emerged as a tenacious justice advocate. Produced by Doug Harris and Brian Spencer of Doug Harris Media, this documentary is part of an extensive series that highlights underrecognized UC Berkeley alumni. At the screening, Spencer emphasized Burris’ status as a leading civil rights attorney. Burris’ landmark cases have paved the way for future legal advocates, reflecting his enduring commitment to justice and mentorship. The documentary will air on PBS later this year, extending Burris' inspiring narrative.