Alan Dershowitz is an American lawyer, author, professor, and political commentator. He is a prominent figure in the legal world and has been the subject of intense media scrutiny in recent years. He is best known for his defense of prominent clients such as O.J. Simpson, Claus von Bülow, and Mike Tyson. His legal career has spanned over five decades and he is considered one of the most influential legal minds in the United States. In this article, we will take a closer look at the life and career of Alan Dershowitz.
Early Life of Alan Dershowitz
Alan Dershowitz was born in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York, on September 1, 1938. He was the son of Harry and Claire Dershowitz, both of whom were Jewish immigrants from Russia. He grew up in a lower-middle-class family in the Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn. He started his education from James Madison High School and graduated in 1955. He then went on to receive his Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Brooklyn College in 1959. He went on to receive his law degree from Yale Law School in 1962.
Career and Achievements of Alan Dershowitz
After graduating from law school, Dershowitz clerked for US Supreme Court Justice Arthur Goldberg in 1962. He then went on to teach at Harvard Law School, where he remained for the next 50 years. During this time, he served as a professor of criminal law, civil liberties, and constitutional law. He also wrote and published numerous books on these topics.
Dershowitz was also a defense attorney for some of the most high-profile cases in the United States. He represented O.J. Simpson during his 1995 murder trial, Claus von Bülow during his 1982 murder trial, and Mike Tyson during his 1992 rape trial. He was also a member of the legal team that represented President Bill Clinton during his impeachment trial.
Personal Life of Alan Dershowitz
Dershowitz is currently married to Carolyn Cohen, a psychotherapist. They have been married since 1986 and have one daughter. He was previously married to Sue Barlach, a Harvard Law professor, from 1976 to 1986.
Dershowitz is also an avid philanthropist. He has donated millions of dollars to various charities and organizations, including the United Jewish Appeal, the American Civil Liberties Union, and the Anti-Defamation League.
Alan Dershowitz is one of the most influential legal minds in the United States. He has represented some of the most high-profile cases in the country and has written and published numerous books on criminal law, civil liberties, and constitutional law. He is also an avid philanthropist and has donated millions of dollars to various charities and organizations.