Dudley Baldwin Bonsal facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dudley Baldwin Bonsal
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| Senior Judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York | |
| In office December 6, 1976 – July 22, 1995 |
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| Judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York | |
| In office October 5, 1961 – December 6, 1976 |
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| Appointed by | John F. Kennedy |
| Preceded by | Seat established by 75 Stat. 80 |
| Succeeded by | Pierre N. Leval |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 6, 1906 Bedford, New York, U.S. |
| Died | July 22, 1995 (aged 88) Bedford, New York, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Parents | Stephen Bonsal Henrietta Morris |
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| Education | Dartmouth College (A.B.) Harvard Law School (LL.B.) |
| Occupation | Judge |
Dudley Baldwin Bonsal (born October 6, 1906 – died July 22, 1995) was an important judge in the United States. He served as a federal judge for the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, which is a busy court in New York City.
Contents
Early Life and Family Background
Dudley Bonsal was born in Bedford, New York. His father, Stephen Bonsal, was a well-known journalist. Stephen Bonsal worked in the U.S. diplomatic service for many years. He also wrote several books and won a special award called the Pulitzer Prize.
Dudley's family, the Bonsals, came from England. They were Quakers and helped start the colony of Pennsylvania way back in 1682. His mother, Henrietta Morris, was related to Gouverneur Morris, who was a key leader during the American Revolution. Dudley had three brothers, including Philip Bonsal, who became an American diplomat.
Education and Early Career
Dudley Bonsal went to Dartmouth College and earned a degree in 1927. After that, he studied law at Harvard Law School, getting his law degree in 1930.
He then worked as a private lawyer in New York City from 1930 to 1942. During World War II, from 1942 to 1945, he served as the chief lawyer for the Office of the Coordinator of Inter-American Affairs. This office helped manage relationships between the U.S. and countries in Central and South America.
After the war, he returned to his private law practice in New York City. From 1958 to 1960, he was the president of the New York City Bar Association. This is a group for lawyers in New York City.
Becoming a Federal Judge
On October 5, 1961, President John F. Kennedy chose Dudley Bonsal to be a judge. He was appointed to a new position on the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. This court handles many important legal cases.
President Kennedy officially nominated him for the position in January 1962. The United States Senate then approved his appointment in March 1962. He officially became a judge on March 17, 1962.
Later Judicial Service
Dudley Bonsal served as a judge until December 6, 1976. At that time, he took on "senior status". This means he continued to work as a judge but with a reduced caseload. It's a way for experienced judges to keep serving without the full demands of a regular judge.
Even in senior status, Judge Bonsal remained very active.
- From 1977 to 1987, he was a judge on the Temporary Emergency Court of Appeals. This court handled special cases, often related to economic issues.
- From 1981 to 1984, he also served on the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court. This court reviews requests for surveillance (like wiretaps) in cases involving foreign intelligence.
Judge Bonsal continued to serve in senior status until he passed away on July 22, 1995, in Bedford, New York.
