Early Career
Political Career
Political Philosophy
Labor Rights
Vietnam War
Death Penalty
Plaque Dedication
About Wayne Morse - Wayne Lyman Morse U.S. Courthouse and Plaque Dedication
The Wayne Lyman Morse United States Courthouse was designed as part of the General Services Administration's (GSA) Design Excellence Program, which has improved the quality of federal architecture in recent years. Upon its dedication on December 1, 2006, it was declared to be “the first 21st Century Courthouse in America.”
About Wayne Lyman Morse
The Courthouse was named by Congressional legislation in honor of Wayne Lyman Morse. Morse, a former University of Oregon Law School dean and U.S. senator from 1945 until 1969, was an outspoken lawmaker known to take unpopular positions based on his principles. Wayne Morse served four terms in the U.S. Senate representing the people of Oregon. First elected in 1944 as a Republican, he later declared himself an independent, then won his last two terms as a Democrat. His platform of “Principle above Politics” remained constant through his political life. He was renown for his unwavering commitment to the rule of the law. Located inside the building's public entrance is a plaque about the famous Oregonian.
Wayne Morse Plaque unveiling on Monday, April 21, 2008
The plaque in honor of Senator Morse was unveiled at a 
ceremony attended by members of the Morse family, the Wayne Morse Historical Park Corporation, and members of the public. The event was hosted by Jon Kvistad, Regional Administrator for the General Services Administration. Judge Michael Hogan, the local coordinator and inspiration for the courthouse, reminisced about Wayne Morse and his legacy as an independent political spirit in Oregon. Alison Voss, co-president of the Wayne Morse Historical Park Corporation Board, spoke about Wayne Morse as a family man as well as his achievements in office.
Read Alison Voss's brief biography about
Senator Wayne Morse. (88K PDF).
Read the Proposal Supporting A Presidential Medal of Freedom
for Wayne Lyman Morse (1900–1974). (104K PDF).
About the Design of the Courthouse
The lead designer for the Courthouse was Thom Mayne of Morphosis, one of America's leading contemporary architects. The Courthouse is designed with a two-story rectangular glass structure, which houses the administrative functions of the federal agency tenants. Placed on top of this transparent base are the three pavilions clad in horizontal bands of stainless steel, which house the courtrooms, jury suites and the judge's chambers. The 7 horizontal bands of stainless steel represent the 7 Articles of the U.S. Constitution. 
Among the many design features visitors will notice inside the building in the abundance of natural light. Every effort has been made to take advantage of natural light through the use of skylights and large expanses of glass. It makes the Courthouse more welcoming to all those who enter. It also helps save on energy costs by reducing the amount of electricity needed for lightning. The Courthouse won the Top Ten Green Buildings Award in 2007 awarded by the American Institute of Architects / Committee on the Environment.
Wayne Morse Center for Law and Politics
1221 University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403-1221
Phone: (541) 346-3700, Fax: (541) 346-1564
