Catherine Roraback facts for kids

Catherine Gertrude Roraback (born September 17, 1920 – died October 17, 2007) was a lawyer in Connecticut. She was known for fighting for civil rights and fairness for everyone.

Who Was Catherine Roraback?

Catherine Roraback, often called "Katie," was born in Brooklyn, New York. Her father, Albert Roraback, was a church leader. Her mother was Gertrude Remsen Ditmars. Catherine's family had strong ties to law and politics in Connecticut.

Her Family's Influence

Catherine's great-uncle was J. Henry Roraback. He was a very powerful political leader in Connecticut. He led the main political party there for many years. He even helped create Candlewood Lake, which makes electricity today.

Interestingly, J. Henry Roraback did not support women getting the right to vote. This was very different from Catherine. She strongly supported women's rights throughout her life. Her parents were also social activists, meaning they worked to improve society. These family connections and beliefs greatly influenced Catherine's career.

Her Education

Catherine went to Mount Holyoke College and graduated in 1941. She then studied law at Yale Law School. She finished in 1948. Catherine was the only woman in her graduating class at Yale Law School.

Catherine's Legal Career

In 1955, Catherine Roraback took over her family's law office in Canaan, Connecticut. Her grandfather started the office in 1873. She continued to work there until she passed away in 2007.

Important Cases

Catherine Roraback is famous for taking on important cases. One of her most well-known cases was Griswold v. Connecticut in 1965. She represented Estelle Griswold and Dr. C. Lee Buxton in this case. The Supreme Court made a big decision in this case. It said that people have a "right to privacy." This means the government cannot interfere with certain personal choices.

She also worked on the New Haven Black Panther trials in 1971. In this case, she defended Ericka Huggins, a member of the Black Panther group. Catherine often worked on cases involving women's rights and fighting against unfair treatment based on race.

Awards and Recognition

Catherine Roraback was part of many important groups that worked for civil rights.

• She helped start the Connecticut Civil Liberties Union. This group works to protect the rights of people in Connecticut.
• She was also the president of the National Lawyers Guild for many years. This group of lawyers works to defend human rights.
• She served on the Connecticut Women's Education and Legal Fund. She was also a board member of the American Civil Liberties Union.

Catherine received many awards for her work. She was even added to the Connecticut Women's Hall of Fame. Other famous people like Katharine Hepburn and Helen Keller are also in this Hall of Fame. There is also a scholarship fund named after her, the Catherine Roraback Law Scholarship Fund.

Later Life

Catherine Roraback continued her law practice in Canaan, Connecticut, for many years. She kept fighting for civil rights. She also helped people with smaller legal issues like criminal defense and divorces. She often said she defended "dissenters and the dispossessed." Catherine Roraback passed away on October 17, 2007, in Salisbury, Connecticut.