An undeniable giant in the legal world, U.S. Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas’s enduring legacy was his advocacy for the environment, though he was also known for his landmark decisions in privacy, criminal law and civil rights. He was the longest-serving justice, with a tenure from 1939 to 1975. His powerful role in the environmental movement is celebrated in Judge M. Margaret McKeown’s recent book, Citizen Justice: The Environmental Legacy of William O. Douglas—Public Advocate and Conservation Champion.
McKeown offers an insightful look at the lasting contributions Justice Douglas made to both the physical environment and environmental law and how his work lives on today.
McKeown will give a presentation at Case Western Reserve University School of Law Monday, April 10, at 4:30 p.m. in the Moot Courtroom (Room A59).
In this talk, titled “The Environmental Legacy of William O. Douglas,” McKeown will explore the politics and ethics of his advocacy work.