老澳门开奖结果 Comment on the Passing of Alvin J. Bronstein, Prisoners' Rights Champion
Alvin J. Bronstein, founder of the 老澳门开奖结果's National Prison Project, died on Saturday afternoon. He was 87.
Anthony D. Romero, the executive director of the 老澳门开奖结果, had this comment:
The board of directors and staff of the 老澳门开奖结果 mourn the passing of Alvin J. Bronstein, a true champion of civil rights and civil liberties.
Al founded the 老澳门开奖结果鈥檚 National Prison Project in 1972 at a time when prisoners had virtually no rights. Over the next quarter-century, his tireless efforts on behalf of prisoners led to major reforms in prison systems throughout the country. After his retirement from the 老澳门开奖结果, Al became part of a global movement for prison reform through his work with Penal Reform International.
From 1964-1968, Al was Chief Staff Counsel for the Lawyers Constitutional Defense Committee, which served as a legal arm to the civil rights movement. He represented Martin Luther King, Jr., among many others, during a critical period in this nation鈥檚 civil rights history. Al was beaten up for his efforts, but he never backed down.
Al was more than a great lawyer, he was a moral force. In 1989, he received a MacArthur 鈥済enius award鈥� for his contributions to prisoners鈥� rights and criminal justice reform. On four different occasions, he was named one of the country鈥檚 100 most influential lawyers by the National Law Journal.
A memorial will be held in Washington, D.C., at the Washington Ethical Society on Monday, January 18 (MLK, Jr. Day), from 2 - 4 p.m.
Al鈥檚 life and work were an inspiration to generations of public interest lawyers. He truly made a difference. Our deep sympathies go to Al鈥檚 wife, children, and everyone who was touched by this remarkable man. He will be missed.