For many years, Robert Morgenthau, a passionate defender of New York state law, had stood for honesty, dedication and commitment to justice. For more than three decades as the District Attorney of New York County, he left an indelible mark on the criminal justice system, winning the respect of colleagues and residents of the city. Robert Morgenthau’s life and career were extraordinary since he was the longest-serving District Attorney in New York history and became a true symbol of justice. Continue reading at newyorkski.info.
The story of Robert Morgenthau
Morgenthau’s life story begins in 1919. He was born and raised in New York to a prominent Ashkenazi Jewish family. His parents held respectable civil service posts under Presidents Franklin, Roosevelt and Truman. As a result, his parents instilled in him a strong sense of patriotism and civic obligation from a young age.
Furthermore, Morgenthau’s parents provided him with an excellent education as a teenager. He attended educational institutions such as Deerfield Academy, Phillips Exeter Academy, Amherst College and Yale Law School, where he honed the skills that formed the foundation of his future profession.
Serving as U.S. Attorney
Morgenthau’s future fate and career were anticipated even at an early age – he, like his parents, would enter the public service. But, before that, he served in the Second World War, seeing action in both the Mediterranean and Pacific theaters of military operations.
Morgenthau practiced corporate law for more than a decade after the end of the war, and it wasn’t until the early 1960s that he was appointed U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York. In 1962, he attempted to put his political achievements to the test by running for Governor of New York from the Democratic Party and resigning from his position as an attorney. Morgenthau, however, was reappointed as US Attorney following his defeat.
Later, Robert Morgenthau served as District Attorney of New York County, which was a complex job filled with various problems. However, his thirst for justice and devotion to public duty enabled him to take on this great responsibility with great determination.
Morgenthau dealt with the pressing issues affecting New York City, ranging from organized crime to white-collar fraud. His unwavering pursuit of criminals and ability to bring them to justice won him a reputation as a shrewd yet formidable prosecutor.
Battle against organized crime
In the 1970s, organized crime clans had considerable power in New York City. Morgenthau recognized the seriousness of the problem and committed significant resources to fighting these formidable crime syndicates. His efforts resulted in a number of high-profile sentences.
It is worth noting that the Pizza Connection case, which included a Sicilian mafia that distributed drugs through a pizzeria, exemplified Morgenthau’s desire to demolish criminal networks of any complexity.
Victims’ rights protection
In addition to prosecuting criminals, Robert Morgenthau advocated for victims’ rights, giving them the assistance and justice they deserved. Under his leadership, the office of the District Attorney adopted a victim-centered strategy, offering victims and witnesses assistance, counsel and protection throughout the trial.
Morgenthau’s tenure as an attorney was defined by several notable cases and reforms that shaped the New York City justice system. In particular, the landmark case was the prosecution of Imelda Marcos, the former First Lady of the Philippines, accused of racketeering and fraud. In spite of political pressure, Morgenthau persisted in his search for the truth, and achieved conviction for the criminal, demonstrating the importance of accountability and justice.
Furthermore, Morgenthau was instrumental in the development of alternative sentencing programs, bypass courts and community initiatives to address the core causes of crime, and his progressive approach emphasized the importance of rehabilitation and second chances, setting an example for future district attorneys.
Retirement
Robert Morgenthau’s dedication to public duty and unwavering pursuit of justice earned him widespread respect in New York and beyond. His work is a representation of ethics and devotion to the greater good.
After serving as a prosecutor for many years, Morgenthau officially announced his retirement in July 2009. At the time of his retirement, Morgenthau was 90 years old. He devoted most of his life to work. He died in 2019, only 10 days short of his 100th birthday.
Without a doubt, Robert Morgenthau’s parents and the knowledge and education they provided him had a major impact on his life and career. He was a great prosecutor who made an indelible mark on the legal profession. Morgenthau became the person that served as District Attorney for the longest period of time in New York state history. Through his dedication to work, the search for truth and transformational reforms, Morgenthau cemented his position in New York as a true defender of justice.