Subseries B. Cases pleaded or initiated, 1960-1995 (#10.10-13.13)
Scope and Contents
Subseries B, Cases pleaded or initiated, 1960-1995 (#10.10-13.13), contains affidavits, typed testimonies, notes, correspondence, and a variety of legal documents pertaining to the cases in which Kennedy became directly involved, including divorce; estate, housing, and transportation disputes; and criminal defense. She served as the defense attorney for a case in which she was originally a defendant, People of the State of New York, Frank Mina, v. Pamela Brennan, et al. The case arose in 1979, when the defendants refused to pay transit fare for ferry service from Fire Island due to a lengthy delay and inadequate service. Kennedy, originally one of five defendants, was charged separately and defended by Emily Goodman in People of the State of New York v. Florynce Kennedy.
This subseries also contains legal documents from Helen Abramowicz, M.D., et al. v Louis J. Lefkowitz, et al., and two closely related cases Robert E. Hall, M.D., et al. v. Louis J. Lefkowitz, et al. and I.F. D'Javid, M.D. v. Louis J. Lefkowitz. The Abramowicz v. Lefkowitz case was the first to challenge the constitutionality of abortion statutes in New York, framing the issue as a woman's right to abortion as opposed to the physician's right to practice medicine. The related cases also challenged the constitutionality of New York State's abortion laws, accusing them of discriminating against poor women. As Kennedy developed her reputation as an outspoken black feminist and champion of civil, women's, and consumer rights, she became involved in the defense of a number of high-profile criminal cases, including Valerie Solanas, and Assata Shakur (Joanne Chesimard), a leader of the Black Liberation Army, accused of armed bank robbery, assault and murder. Kennedy often wrote her opening remarks to the jury by hand on legal pads; these notes, as well as her handwritten notes taken during the trial, are also included. This subseries is arranged alphabetically. Folder titles in quotation marks were created by Kennedy.
Dates
- Creation: 1915-2004
- Creation: Majority of material found within 1947-1993
Language of Materials
Materials in English.
Access Restrictions:
Access. Although most of the papers are open for research, the following are closed as noted: legal cases found throughout #9.13-17.6, and other folders access to which would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy. An appointment is necessary to use any audiovisual material.
Extent
15.1 linear feet ((31+1/2 file boxes, 1 folio box, 1 carton) plus 4 folio folders, 2 folio+ folders, 1 oversized folder, 15 photograph folders, 211 videotapes, 1 motion picture)Creator
- From the Collection: Kennedy, Florynce, 1916-2000 (Person)
Repository Details
Part of the Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute Repository
The preeminent research library on the history of women in the United States, the Schlesinger Library documents women's lives from the past and present for the future. In addition to its traditional strengths in the history of feminisms, women’s health, and women’s activism, the Schlesinger collections document the intersectional workings of race and ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and class in American history.