Morris L. Ernst Quotes

A collection of quotes by Morris L. Ernst.

Morris L. Ernst (1888-1976) was an American lawyer, free speech advocate, and writer known for his significant contributions to civil liberties and his role in several groundbreaking legal cases. He was born on August 23, 1888, in Uniontown, Alabama.

Ernst graduated from the University of Alabama in 1909 and later earned his law degree from Harvard Law School in 1912. He joined the law firm of Greenbaum, Wolff, and Ernst where he quickly established himself as a skilled and innovative lawyer.

Throughout his career, Ernst demonstrated a deep commitment to defending freedom of expression and challenging censorship. In 1933, he co-founded the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Committee on Censorship, which played a vital role in the legal battles against government suppression of books and magazines.

Ernst was involved in several landmark cases, including the successful defense of James Joyce's controversial novel "Ulysses" against obscenity charges in 1933. He also played a key role in the 1957 Supreme Court case "Roth v. United States," which helped establish a new standard for obscenity laws.

Aside from his legal work, Ernst wrote extensively on civil liberties, publishing several books, including "Too Big: A Biography of F. Warren Biggs" and "AMERICA: My Brother, My Blood." He was a respected commentator and lecturer on issues concerning freedom of speech and expression.

Morris L. Ernst's tireless efforts in defending First Amendment rights left an indelible mark on American law and society. He passed away on March 21, 1976, leaving behind a legacy as a champion of free speech and individual liberties.