Title: Thomas M. Jacobson Papers
Inclusive Dates: 1963-1965

Creator:

• Jacobson, Thomas M.

Call Number: Micro 451

Quantity: 1 reel of microfilm (35mm)

Repository:

Wisconsin Historical Society, Division of Library, Archives, and Museum Collections

Archival Locations:

Wisconsin Historical Society (Map)

COLLECTION MAY BE STORED OFF-SITE: see catalog entry to request materials and for additional information.

Abstract:

Correspondence, press releases, arguments, briefs, depositions, and other legal papers of Thomas M. Jacobson, a Milwaukee, Wis., attorney concerning his unsuccessful defense of Congress of Racial Equality demonstrators arrested after a 1963 sit-in. The demonstration demanded the resignation of a Milwaukee public official for his prejudicial statements concerning blacks.

Language: English

URL to cite for this finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-whs-micr0451

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In July and August, 1963, the Milwaukee chapter of the Congress of Racial Equality charged Fred E. Lins, a member of the Milwaukee Community Social Development Commission, with prejudicial statements concerning Negroes, and demanded his resignation. On August 28 and 30, CORE members staged a sit-in at the office of Eugene Grobschmidt, Milwaukee County Board Chairman, asking that Grobschmidt request Lins' resignation. Several demonstrators were arrested and charged with disorderly conduct. Trials and appeals growing out of these arrests lasted for two years. The defense centered on the contention that a peaceful sit-in could not be interpreted as “disorderly” conduct. The main case, State of Wisconsin vs. John Givens et al. was finally tried in the Wisconsin Supreme Court, where earlier convictions were upheld, Justice Heffernan dissenting. Jacobson decided against appeal to the United States Supreme Court on the basis of advice from Derrick Bell of the N.A.A.C.P. Legal Defense and Educational Fund.

Acquisition Information

Originals loaned for copying by Thomas M. Jacobson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, May 26, 1966. Accession Number: M66-156

Reel   1	Correspondence, press releases, etc., 1963-1965
	Legal materials
Reel   1	John H. Givens, Jr. vs. Michael Wolke, Sheriff of Milwaukee County
Reel   1	State of Wisconsin vs. John H. Givens, Jr.
Reel   1	State of Wisconsin vs. Jerry Berndt, Clara E. Weaver, Arlene K. Johnson, Marcelline Taylor and Patricia Haynes
Reel   1	State of Wisconsin vs. Elmer McCraty, Richard McLeod and David Novick
Reel   1	State of Wisconsin vs. John H. Givens, Jr. et al.
Reel   1	Miscellany (drafts for arguments, statements of facts, depositions, etc.)