Morton Ira Greenberg facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Morton Ira Greenberg
Judge Morton I Greenberg, Third Circuit
Senior Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
In office June 30, 2000 – January 28, 2021
Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
In office March 23, 1987 – June 30, 2000
Appointed by	Ronald Reagan
Preceded by	Leonard I. Garth
Succeeded by	Michael Chertoff
Personal details
Born	(1933-03-20)March 20, 1933 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Died	January 28, 2021(2021-01-28) (aged 87) Princeton, New Jersey
Education	University of Pennsylvania (BA) Yale Law School (LLB)

Morton Ira Greenberg (March 20, 1933 – January 28, 2021) was an important American judge. He served on the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. This court hears appeals from federal courts in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. President Ronald Reagan chose him for this role in 1987. Judge Greenberg continued to serve until his death in 2021.

Morton Greenberg's Early Life and Education

Morton Greenberg was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1933. When he was young, his family moved to Atlantic City, New Jersey. After finishing high school, he went to the University of Pennsylvania. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree there in 1954.

Where Did He Study Law?

After college, Greenberg attended Yale Law School, a very famous law school. He earned his law degree (Bachelor of Laws) in 1957. While at Yale, he was part of the Yale Law Journal, a student-run legal publication.

Greenberg's Career Before Becoming a Federal Judge

After law school, Morton Greenberg moved to Trenton, New Jersey. He started working for the New Jersey Attorney General's Office. This office handles legal matters for the state government. He worked there until 1960.

What Did He Do in Private Practice?

In 1960, Greenberg left the Attorney General's Office. He started working as a private lawyer in Cape May, New Jersey. From 1970 to 1971, he also served as the County Attorney for Cape May County. This meant he was the main lawyer for the county government.

When Did He Become a State Judge?

In 1971, he returned to the Attorney General's Office as an Assistant Attorney General. Then, in 1973, he was appointed as a judge for the Superior Court of New Jersey. He worked in different parts of this court, handling various types of cases. In 1980, he was appointed to the New Jersey Appellate Division. This part of the court reviews decisions made by lower state courts.

Morton Greenberg's Role as a Federal Judge

President Ronald Reagan nominated Morton Greenberg to be a judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. This happened on February 11, 1987. The United States Senate approved his nomination on March 20, 1987.

When Did He Start His Federal Service?

Judge Greenberg officially began his work on the federal court on March 23, 1987. He served as an active judge until June 30, 2000. After that, he took on "senior status". This means a judge can still hear cases but with a reduced workload.

Important Decisions by Judge Greenberg

Judge Greenberg made several important legal decisions during his time on the Third Circuit. These decisions helped shape how certain laws were understood and applied.

What Was Kreimer v. Morristown About?

One notable case was Kreimer v. Morristown. A homeless man named Richard Kreimer was told to leave a public library in Morristown, New Jersey. The library had rules about hygiene and behavior. Kreimer argued that these rules violated his rights to free speech and equal protection.

How Did Judge Greenberg Rule in This Case?

The lower court agreed with Kreimer. However, Judge Greenberg and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals disagreed. Judge Greenberg wrote that libraries are special places meant for "the communication of the written word." He explained that libraries can have rules to make sure people can read and study quietly. If someone's actions, like not maintaining hygiene, prevent others from using the library properly, they can be asked to leave. This decision meant libraries could set rules to protect their purpose.

What Was His Dissent in LePage's v. 3M?

Another important case was LePage's v. 3M. This case involved 3M, a company known for products like scotch tape. LePage's accused 3M of using unfair business practices to keep its strong position in the tape market. LePage's won the case at trial.

Why Did Judge Greenberg Disagree?

When the case went to the appeals court, Judge Greenberg disagreed with the majority decision. He wrote a "dissenting opinion," explaining why he thought the court was wrong. He believed that companies should be allowed to offer discounts to customers who buy a lot of their products. He felt that the court was punishing 3M for being a very efficient company. Other judges, including future Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito, agreed with Judge Greenberg's view.

What Was ACLU v. Mukasey About?

In the case ACLU v. Mukasey, the court looked at the Child Online Protection Act (COPA). This law aimed to protect children from harmful content online. A federal court had stopped the government from putting this law into effect.

How Did Judge Greenberg's Ruling Affect Online Content?

In 2007, the case came before the Third Circuit. Judge Greenberg's ruling found the law unconstitutional. He explained that web publishers would face "high costs" to follow the law, even if their websites were only for adults. The Supreme Court did not hear an appeal, so Judge Greenberg's decision was the final word on COPA. This meant the law could not be enforced.

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  Judge Morton I Greenberg, Third Circuit