Robert Morgenthau's Email & Phone Number

📖 Summary

Robert Morgenthau was a towering figure in the world of law and justice, serving as the Manhattan District Attorney for an impressive 35 years. Known for his tenacity, integrity, and dedication to public service, Morgenthau left an indelible mark on the criminal justice system in New York City and beyond. Throughout his long and distinguished career, he was a fierce advocate for victims' rights and a relentless prosecutor of criminals, earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues, adversaries, and the public at large.

Morgenthau's commitment to justice was evident from the very beginning of his career. After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, he attended Yale Law School and later worked as an assistant U.S. attorney in the Southern District of New York. In 1961, he was appointed as the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, where he gained a reputation for his unyielding pursuit of organized crime figures, corrupt politicians, and white-collar criminals. His tenure as U.S. Attorney was marked by numerous high-profile cases, including the successful prosecution of members of the infamous French Connection drug trafficking ring.

In 1974, Morgenthau was elected as the District Attorney for New York County, a position he would hold for an astonishing 35 years. During his time in office, he transformed the Manhattan District Attorney's Office into one of the most formidable and effective prosecuting agencies in the country. Under his leadership, the office achieved remarkable successes in the prosecution of violent criminals, drug traffickers, and white-collar offenders, while also pioneering innovative initiatives in areas such as domestic violence prevention, cybercrime prosecution, and wrongful conviction review.

Morgenthau's impact extended far beyond the courtroom, as he became a respected and influential voice on criminal justice policy and reform. He was a vocal advocate for the expansion of victims' rights, the improvement of indigent defense services, and the reduction of racial disparities in the criminal justice system. In addition, he was a leading proponent of community-based crime prevention programs and a staunch opponent of the death penalty, arguing that it was fundamentally incompatible with a fair and just legal system. His tireless efforts to advance these causes earned him widespread acclaim and solidified his reputation as a principled and compassionate leader.

In addition to his work as a prosecutor and advocate, Morgenthau was widely admired for his unwavering commitment to the highest ethical standards and his steadfast refusal to allow politics or personal gain to influence his decisions. He was known for his refusal to seek the death penalty, believing it was against his personal and professional moral beliefs. His integrity and independence earned him the trust and admiration of law enforcement professionals, legal scholars, and the citizens of Manhattan. He was also known for his strong emphasis on integrity and ethics within the District Attorney's Office, setting a high standard for prosecutors and staff that earned the office a reputation for fairness, professionalism, and excellence.

Upon his retirement from public service in 2009 at the age of 90, Morgenthau left behind an enduring legacy as a paragon of justice, integrity, and public service. His influence and impact on the criminal justice system and the legal profession continue to be felt to this day, and his example serves as an inspiration to all those who strive to uphold the principles of fairness, equity, and the rule of law. Whether in the courtroom or in the halls of power, Robert Morgenthau's dedication to justice and his unwavering commitment to the public good will forever stand as a shining example of what it means to be a true steward of the law.