Norman Dorsen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Norman Dorsen
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Dorsen in 2007
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| Born | September 4, 1930 Manhattan, New York, U.S.
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| Died | July 1, 2017 (aged 86) Manhattan, New York, U.S.
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| Alma mater | Columbia University Harvard Law School |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Constitutional law |
| Institutions | New York University School of Law |
Norman Dorsen (born September 4, 1930 – died July 1, 2017) was a very important lawyer and professor. He taught at the New York University School of Law. He was known for his work in Constitutional law, which is about the rules that govern a country and its people. He also worked on Civil liberties, which are the basic rights and freedoms everyone should have.
Dorsen was also the president of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) for many years, from 1976 to 1991. The ACLU is a group that works to protect the rights of people in the United States.
Contents
Protecting Rights in Court
Norman Dorsen argued many important cases in front of the U.S. Supreme Court. This is the highest court in the country.
Helping Young People
One of his most famous cases was In re Gault in 1967. In this case, the Supreme Court decided that young people accused of crimes must have many of the same legal rights as adults. This was a big step in making sure kids get fair treatment in court.
Ensuring Equal Protection
He also argued the case of Levy v. Louisiana in 1968. This case helped make sure that children born outside of marriage had the same rights and protections as other children.
His Early Life and Education
Norman Dorsen went to Columbia College and then to Harvard Law School. After law school, he worked for the Secretary of the Army. During this time, he helped fight against McCarthyism, which was a period when people were unfairly accused of being disloyal to the country.
He also worked as a law clerk for important judges. First, he worked for Chief Judge Calvert Magruder. Later, he worked for Supreme Court Justice John Marshall Harlan II.
Books and Writings
Norman Dorsen wrote many books about law and rights. Some of his books include Comparative Constitutionalism, Our Endangered Rights, and Frontiers of Civil Liberties. These books helped people understand more about civil liberties and constitutional law.
Awards and Honors
Norman Dorsen received many awards for his work.
- In 1983, he received the Medal of Liberty from the French Minister of Justice.
- In 2000, he received the Eleanor Roosevelt Medal from President Bill Clinton. This award recognized his important work for human rights.
- In 2007, the Association of American Law Schools gave him an award for his lifetime contributions to law and legal education.
In 2013, the ACLU created a new award in his honor called the Dorsen Presidential Prize. This award is given to academics who have made outstanding contributions to civil liberties.
His Family Life
Norman Dorsen was married to Harriette Koffler. They had three daughters: Jennifer, Caroline, and Annie Dorsen. Annie is a writer and director. The family also had a home in Cornwall, Connecticut.
His Passing
Norman Dorsen passed away at his home in Manhattan on July 1, 2017. He was 86 years old.
See also
- List of law clerks of the Supreme Court of the United States (Seat 9)
