His craftsmanship as a lawyer and a judge has been recognized and acclaimed far and wide. It is significant that the span of Justice Frankfurters creative and energetic career ranges from the SaccoVanzettl case to the Tennessee apportionment case. It is pertinent to the history of our country and a source of great inspiration of our youth that Felix Frankfurter was a Jewish immigrant who sailed from Europe to this country in steerage at the age of 12. He worked his way through Harvard Law School and had a distinguished career In the Federal service and in 25 years on the faculty of Harvard Law School prior to his appointment to the Court In 1939. Justice Frankfurters deep concern with the doctrine of judicial restraint was etched throughout his many articulate opinions. He had a passion for fundamental fairness in criminal proceedings and civil liberties. a deep belief in the protection of individual freedoms. The life of Felix Frankfurter is not only a monument to the great tradition of justice which we have inherited from the ChristianHebrew civilizations. of which we are so much a part. but. more than that. is an eloquent tribute to the fact that there is still plentiful opportunity for the poor. the immigrant. and the lowly born in this Nation. If Felix Frankfurter could speak to us today. I know his parting words would be: "May it ever be so." I extend my condolences to his family and my deep thanks on the part of the people of my State for the important contributions Felix Frankfurter has made in the interests of our Nation. the world. and all mankind.
Keywords matched
immigrant steerage