Abe Fortas

Date of Birth: June 19, 1910

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: April 5, 1982

Biography

Abe Fortas was an influential American jurist who served as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. He was born on June 19, 1910, in Memphis, Tennessee, and grew up in a working-class Jewish family. Fortas showed academic promise early on and went on to attend Southwestern at Memphis (now Rhodes College), where he earned his bachelor’s degree. He later attended Yale Law School, graduating in 1933. Fortas began his career in public service shortly after law school, working in various governmental roles during the New Deal era. He gained a reputation as a skilled lawyer and eventually co-founded the prominent law firm Arnold & Porter in Washington, D.C. His legal acumen and connections led to his appointment to the Supreme Court by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965. During his tenure on the Supreme Court, Fortas was known for his liberal views and advocacy for civil liberties. However, his career was marred by controversy, leading to his resignation in 1969. Fortas was accused of accepting a retainer fee from a financier under investigation, which raised questions about his judicial ethics. After leaving the Court, Fortas returned to private practice and continued to be an influential figure in legal circles until his death. He passed away on April 5, 1982.

5 Interesting Facts about Abe Fortas

1. Abe Fortas was a close advisor to President Lyndon B. Johnson before his appointment to the Supreme Court.

2. He played a significant role in the landmark case “Gideon v. Wainwright,” which established the right to legal counsel for criminal defendants.

3. Fortas was the first Supreme Court Justice to resign under a cloud of controversy.

4. He was deeply involved in civil rights issues and was a strong advocate for the rights of the accused.

5. Fortas co-founded the law firm Arnold & Porter, which remains one of the most prestigious law firms in the United States.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Abe Fortas

1. “The function of the judiciary is not to legislate but to interpret law.”

2. “Lawyers are the architects of society.”

3. “The right to counsel is fundamental to the American system of justice.”

4. “A democracy cannot function effectively when its constituent members believe laws are being bought and sold.”

5. “The strength of our legal system lies in its capacity to provide justice, not just for the powerful, but for the powerless.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by Abe Fortas is not well-documented, but his successful career in both public service and private practice likely afforded him a comfortable lifestyle.