Leonard Weinglass dies at 77; defense lawyer in Pentagon Papers case

[pulledpork]

Source: L. A. Times

A champion of liberal causes, Leonard Weinglass took part in some of the most controversial trials of the 1960s and '70s, including that of the Chicago 7. Jane Fonda and Angela Davis were also among his clients.


Leonard Weinglass, a crusading lawyer who championed radical and liberal causes and clients in some of the most controversial trials of the 1960s and '70s, including the Chicago 7 and Pentagon Papers cases, died Wednesday in New York City. He was 77.

The cause was pancreatic cancer, said Michael Krinsky, a colleague and friend of 40 years.

Weinglass, who practiced in Los Angeles for two decades before moving to New York, developed a reputation as a firebrand during the Chicago 7 conspiracy case against anti-Vietnam War protesters at the 1968 Democratic National Convention. The defendants included Tom Hayden, Abbie Hoffman and Jerry Rubin. Although Weinglass was considered less boisterous than co-counsel William Kunstler, he was nonetheless cited for contempt 14 times during the five-month trial, which resulted in acquittals.

Read more: http://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-me-leonard-weinglass-20110325,0,4923364.story

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RIP, Mr. Weinglass.

[murielm99]

1. I heard him speak a long time ago.

It was right after the conclusion of the Chicago 7 trial.

[midnight]

2. K&R We need more attorneys like this ....

[David__77]

3. A true hero of the people!

He deserves the highest praise from all progressive-minded people. He performed great services to the people.

[Ken Burch]

4. A just man has left us.

Leonard Weinglass and William Kunstler were rebel lawyers who made the courtroom a battleground for the revolution. I like to think they'll now get the chance to cite Judge Hoffman for contempt.

[dipsydoodle]

5. He also defended the Cuban Five

R.I.P.

[Faygo Kid]

6. A long time ago. He was very young then.

Just in his 30s for many famous cases. RIP.