For the small city of Jamestown, New York, February 13, 2012, is a date to remember.
Robert H. Jackson Solicitor General
It is the birthday of Robert H. Jackson, a man who rose from humble beginnings to become a U.S.
Solicitor General, the U. S. Attorney General, a Supreme Court Justice and also the Chief Counsel for the prosecution of Nazi War Criminals, all in one lifetime.
In the local Robert H. Jackson Center, located at 305 East Fourth Street, Jamestown, New York, the legend of the man comes alive. He believed in the ideals of individual freedom and justice, and personally practiced them.
Robert’s actual birthplace in 1892 was his parent’s farm in Spring Creek, PA., but the family later moved to Frewsburg, N.Y., where his father, William, opened the Jackson Hotel. He lived in Frewsburg with his parents and two sisters, Ella and Helen, and graduated from there in 1910.
His father’s addition of a livery stable gave Robert an opportunity to become a skillful rider, fostering his love for horses which he enjoyed almost as much as he enjoyed learning.
The young Robert Houghwout (taken from his mother, Angelina’s maiden name) Jackson found he could take more courses in nearby Jamestown, so he spent another year of study there following high school.
Jackson Becomes a Lawyer
Jackson decided to become a lawyer, having already established solid public speaking skills from his oratory at local meetings and events. His mother’s cousin offered him an opportunity to apprentice at his Jamestown law office, but he wanted to attend Albany Law School. It was the seat of state government and already well represented by attorneys he knew.
In Albany Robert met his future wife, Irene Gerhardt, earned his graduate’s certificate and passed the bar examination at the age of twenty-one, in spite of his father’s general dislike of lawyers.
In 1913, Robert Jackson was admitted to practice law by New York’s Supreme Court, Apellate Division and his further association at Mott’s Jamestown law office afforded him the chance to meet Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Roosevelt would eventually be his mentor and friend. It was Roosevelt who appointed Robert to prominent service for New York State’s commission, to examine their laws and courts.
During the following years, Robert earned the respect of the city of Jamestown as a leading citizen, a business lawyer whose integrity paved the way for his future legendary tributes.
His goodness stemmed from the early disciplines he received at Mott’s law office, primarily from a scholarly law partner, Benjamin Simeon Dean. Dean was a gifted researcher and writer who took the time to teach, while Robert was a serious learner who handled many of Mott’s cases.
Later Jackson transitioned from good to great. Through 1933, while Franklin Roosevelt was New York’s governor, Jackson became a gubernatorial advisor, political supporter and appointee who studied, made recommendations, and ultimately improved the state court system. By 1934, he served as assistant general counsel in the Treasury Department and had joined the New Deal.
Appointed Solicitor General
In 1938, after Roosevelt’s two White House terms were up, Jackson, was Roosevelt’s choice for a presidential successor. He had demonstrated his brilliance, loyalty, and political skills, but instead, he was appointed Solicitor General. Robert Jackson remained true to his heart. He stayed his career course, and by 1945 accepted President Truman’s appointment to prosecute the Nazi war criminals. Publicly he disclaimed interest in political office.
The legend Robert Jackson is today stems from consistent, fair-minded service to justice during these historical trials, where he gave the Opening and Closing statements, both influential addresses in international law. Jackson didn't shirk responsibility. He said, "Whatever we ultimately do with these men we will do after an openhearing and upon evidence recorded for the world's scrutiny. We as well as the Nazis can be judged on this record, and we do not shrink from the judgement."
For the memory of the approximated six million European Jews who perished at the hands of the Nazis during WWII, Robert Jackson's forging of the "London Charter" agreement was the basis for the International Military Tribunal (IMT) trial.
His upcoming birthday celebrates his life of 62 years; a life honorably lived.
Sources:
- The Robert H. Jackson Center, 305 E. Fourth Street, Jamestown, New York. Personal visit, 1/21/12.
- The Historical Society of the Courts of the State of New York, Stephen R. Kaye Memorial Program, 11/02/10.
- www.roberhjackson.org
- Article: Justice Jackson Weighs Nuremburg's Lessons, N.Y. Times Mag., Jan. 16,1946, p.12.
Join the Conversation