Irving Kanarek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Irving Kanarek
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Irving Kanarek
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| Born |
Irving Allan Kanarek
May 12, 1920 Seattle, Washington, U.S.
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| Died | September 2, 2020 (aged 100) |
| Occupation | Criminal lawyer & aerospace engineer |
| Known for | Representing defendants such as cult leader Charles Manson and kidnapper Jimmy Lee Smith |
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Notable work
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Invented a corrosion inhibitor for Inhibited Red Fuming Nitric Acid for the Army's Project Nike |
Irving Allan Kanarek (born May 12, 1920 – died September 2, 2020) was a very interesting person. He was an aerospace engineer who helped design things that fly, and also a criminal defense attorney. He became well-known for representing people in court, including Charles Manson.
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A Look at Irving Kanarek's Life
Kanarek was born in Seattle, Washington. His first job was as an aerospace engineer at a company called North American Aviation. Here, he invented something important: a special chemical that stopped rust (a corrosion inhibitor). This chemical was used for a rocket fuel called Inhibited Red Fuming Nitric Acid, which was part of the Army's Project Nike.
In 1954, while working as an engineer, his security clearance was temporarily taken away. This happened because of suspicions about his past connections. He successfully went to court to get his clearance back and also received back pay.
He studied at the University of Washington and later went to Loyola Law School. He became a lawyer in California in 1957. He was married and had two daughters before getting divorced. Later in his life, he had some health issues, which led to his law license being temporarily suspended in 1989.
His Unique Legal Style
Irving Kanarek became famous in Los Angeles courts for his very persistent and unusual way of defending clients. He was known for making many objections during trials.
For example, during a big trial involving Charles Manson, Kanarek objected many times. Even when the judge told him to stop, he kept going. At one point, he had made over 200 objections by the third day of the trial! The prosecutor, Vincent Bugliosi, said that Kanarek fought as if he himself was on trial. He was even sent to jail twice by the judge for not following court rules.
Kanarek strongly believed that everyone has a right to a lawyer and a fair trial. He once said that even if he thought a client was guilty, it was the job of the court to prove it. If they couldn't prove it, then the person should go free. He called this "American justice."
Later Years and Passing
Throughout his later life, Kanarek lived in Orange County, California.
His Legacy
In 2008, a play called Rocket Girl was performed at Caltech. This play was about Mary Sherman Morgan, who used to work with Kanarek at North American Aviation. A character based on Kanarek appeared in the play. The play was later turned into a book.
His Passing
Irving Kanarek passed away on September 2, 2020, at the age of 100.
