Alan Morton Dershowitz (b.1938) is an American lawyer, jurist, and author known for his prominent legal career and influential writings on criminal law and civil liberties, particularly those regarding freedom of speech.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Dershowitz was educated at Yale Law School. He quickly rose to prominence as a legal scholar, becoming a professor at Harvard Law School in 1967, where he taught for over five decades and earned acclaim for his defense of civil liberties.
Throughout his career, Dershowitz has been involved in numerous high-profile legal cases, often advocating for controversial positions on issues ranging from freedom of speech to the rights of criminal defendants. His written works reflect his expertise and advocacy, including The Best Defense (1982,) a comprehensive exploration of criminal defense strategies, and Chutzpah (1991,) which examines Jewish identity and American legal culture.
Dershowitz’s influence extends beyond academia and litigation; he has been a frequent commentator in media, offering legal analysis on significant trials and constitutional matters. These works reflect Dershowitz’s broad interests in law, ethics, politics, and social issues, showcasing his ability to analyze complex legal matters and engage with controversial topics in public discourse. Other notable works include Reversal of Fortune: Inside the von Bülow Case (1986,) The Abuse Excuse: And Other Cop-outs, Sob Stories, and Evasions of Responsibility (1994,) The Case for Israel (2003,) and Preemption: A Knife That Cuts Both Ways (2006.)
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The best answer to bad speech is good speech
—Alan M. Dershowitz
Topics: Speech
A library is a place where you learn what teachers were afraid to teach you.
—Alan M. Dershowitz
Topics: Libraries
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