Spencer L. Kimball facts for kids

Spencer LeVan Kimball (born August 26, 1918 – died October 26, 2003) was a very smart American lawyer and university professor. He taught at important universities like the University of Utah, the University of Michigan Law School, and the University of Chicago.

Spencer was the oldest son of Spencer W. Kimball and his wife, Camilla Eyring Kimball. He was born in Thatcher, Arizona, and grew up in Safford, Arizona.

Early Life and Education

Spencer LeVan Kimball went to college at the University of Arizona. After college, he joined the United States Navy. He served during World War II. His job was very important: he was a Japanese interpreter on an Admiral's staff. This means he helped translate Japanese into English and vice versa.

Becoming a Lawyer

After the war, Spencer went to law school. He earned his law degree from the University of Utah. He was so good at his studies that he became a Rhodes Scholar. This is a special scholarship that lets students study at Lincoln College, Oxford University in England. It's a big honor!

He continued his advanced legal studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. There, he earned a special law degree called a SJD. This is one of the highest law degrees you can get.

A Career in Law and Teaching

Spencer LeVan Kimball became a professor at several well-known law schools. He taught at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and later at the University of Utah. At the University of Utah, he made history. He became the youngest dean of law ever at that university. A "dean" is like the head of a school or department.

He also taught at the University of Michigan Law School. Later, he joined the faculty at the University of Chicago Law School. At the University of Chicago, he was known as the Seymour Logan Professor of Law. This shows how respected he was in his field.

Helping Others: Civil Liberties

Spencer was also involved in helping people and protecting their rights. He helped start a local chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in Utah. The ACLU is an organization that works to defend the rights and freedoms of people in the United States. They make sure everyone's rights are protected under the law.

Family and Heritage

Spencer LeVan Kimball came from a very well-known family. His father, Spencer W. Kimball, was a prominent leader in the LDS Church. Even though Spencer LeVan Kimball later stopped being active in the church, he was always proud of his family's history. He valued his Mormon pioneer heritage. He also respected his father's important position as church president. He gradually stopped believing in the divine claims of religions, but he never formally left the church.