Harry H. Belt

Harry Hackleman Belt (November 24, 1883 – April 6, 1950) was an American educator, lawyer, and judge in the state of Oregon. He was the 28th Chief Justice of the Oregon Supreme Court starting in 1945. He served as chief justice for two years. Belt served on the bench for twenty-five years overall.

Early life and education Belt’s father John D. Belt traveled to Oregon from Missouri in 1853, settling in Salem. There John married Nellie Hackleman, who gave birth to Harry in 1883. Later he attended Dallas Academy before starting college at the state normal school in Monmouth.

While serving in that position he studied law for four years. He was taught by his uncle George H. Burnett who later served as chief justice on the Oregon Supreme Court. 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.

Opinions authored Luscher v. Reynolds , 153 OR 625, 56 P.2d 1158 (1936) (public ownership of land) State ex rel. Van Winkle v. Gilmore, 122 OR 19, 257 P. 21 (1927) (municipal corporations)