Bruce Ennis (attorney) facts for kids
Bruce James Ennis (born around 1940, passed away in 2000) was an important American lawyer who worked to protect people's rights. He was known as a civil rights attorney. This means he helped make sure everyone was treated fairly under the law, no matter their background.
Bruce Ennis started his own law firm called Ennis, Friedman, Bersoff & Ewing. Later, in 1988, his firm joined with a bigger law firm called Jenner & Block. In 1997, he received a special award called the Freedom to Read Foundation Roll of Honor. This award recognized his efforts to protect people's right to read and access information freely.
What is a Civil Rights Attorney?
Protecting Everyone's Rights
A civil rights attorney is a lawyer who works to defend the basic rights and freedoms of people. These rights are often protected by a country's laws, like the United States Constitution. They make sure that laws are applied fairly to everyone.
Why are Civil Rights Important?
Civil rights are super important because they ensure that all people are treated equally. They protect against unfair treatment based on things like race, religion, or gender. Lawyers like Bruce Ennis help people who feel their rights have been violated. They might go to court to fight for justice.
Bruce Ennis's Work in Law
Starting a Law Firm
Bruce Ennis was not just a lawyer; he was also an entrepreneur. He founded his own law firm, which is like starting a business for legal services. This firm focused on important legal cases, likely those involving civil rights.
Joining a Bigger Team
Later, his firm merged with Jenner & Block. This means his smaller firm joined forces with a larger, well-known law firm. This kind of merger can help lawyers work on even bigger and more complex cases. It also allows them to share resources and expertise.
Honored for Freedom to Read
The Freedom to Read Foundation
In 1997, Bruce Ennis was given a special honor by the Freedom to Read Foundation. This foundation is an organization that works to protect your right to read. They believe that people should be able to access all kinds of books and information without censorship.
Why is Reading Freedom Important?
The freedom to read is a key part of freedom of speech. It means that libraries and schools should offer a wide range of books. It also means people should be able to read what they want without someone else deciding for them. Bruce Ennis's award shows he played a big part in protecting this important freedom.