Harry H. Belt - Judicial Career

Judicial Career

In 1914, Harry Belt was elected as a county circuit court judge and maintained that position until 1924. He was the youngest person ever elected to the circuit court in Oregon and won re-election unopposed in 1920. His district included Yamhill and Polk Counties. Then in the fall of 1924 he was elected to Oregon’s high court to replace Martin L. Pipes who had been serving out the remainder of John McCourt’s term as McCourt had died in office. He served briefly with his uncle Burnett, until Burnett died in office in 1927. Belt was re-elected in 1930, 1936, 1942 and 1948. From 1945 to 1947 he was selected by the other members of the supreme court to serve as chief justice. Belt died in office on August 6, 1950.