Call Number:

MC192

Repository:

Princeton University Library: Public Policy Papers

Extent:

1 box

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Osmond K. Fraenkel Diary Excerpts, Box and Folder Number; Public Policy Papers, Special Collections, Princeton University Library.

Date:

1933-1968 (inclusive)

Creator:

Fraenkel, Osmond K. (Osmond Kessler), 1888-1983

Form:

Diaries.

Abstract:

This collection contains excerpts from the diaries of Osmond K. Fraenkel, a New York City lawyer who served on the ACLU's Board of Directors and as one of its general counsel. These excerpts discuss the cases in which Fraenkel was involved.

Osmond K. Fraenkel (1888-1983) was a New York City lawyer who first became involved with the American Civil Liberties Union in 1933 and joined the board of directors in 1935. He also served as one of its general counsel from 1954 to 1977. He took on several cases for the Union during his long association with them, and also served on the New York Civil Liberties Union board.

This collection contains typed extracts taken from his diary that pertain to his work with the ACLU. These excerpts, arranged chronologically, consist primarily of his notes on ACLU meetings, monthly luncheons, conferences, and court cases. Fraenkel details the conversations and opinions of Roger Baldwin, Arthur Garfield Hays, Patrick Malin, and others.

All excerpts are dated and contain both factual information and editorial comments by Fraenkel. Some entries are retrospective, though most were recorded shortly after events occurred. Also included in this collection is a chronological appendix of the court cases Fraenkel handled or worked on for the ACLU. The appendix details the outcomes of each case and Fraenkel's opinion of its significance. Issues Fraenkel was involved with include post office censorship; civil liberties during World War II, including Japanese-American forced removal; anti-communism, sedition, loyalty and security issues during the McCarthy era; due process; and religious freedom. Two noteworthy events in which he participated include U.S. v. Miller, a case which went to the U.S. Supreme Court and involved freedom of expression and the burning of draft cards, and the Bertrand Russell controversy, in which Russell was dismissed from his professor's position because of ideas expressed in his publications.

The papers in this collection are arranged chronologically.