No Equal Justice: The Legacy of Civil Rights Icon George W. Crockett Jr.

No Equal Justice is a book about the life of Black lawyer and Civil Rights icon George W. Crockett Jr., who fought racism and political oppression with uncommon devotion. It traces his family history from slavery to his role in President Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal administration and his defense of the constitutional rights of the leaders of the U.S. Communist Party in United States v. Dennis. Crockett also headed the National Lawyers Guild office in Jackson, Mississippi, during 1964's Freedom Summer and was elected to Detroit's Recorder's Court in 1966, the first time Black litigants knew they would be treated fairly. In 1969, he was famous for holding court proceedings in the police station itself, freeing members of a Black nationalist group who had been illegally arrested.

Format: Hardback
Length: 448 pages
Publication date: 23 February 2022
Publisher: Wayne State University Press

The story of the Civil Rights icon and Black lawyer who fought racism and political oppression with uncommon devotion is a testament to the power of perseverance and dedication. George W. Crockett Jr., a Black judge, was a fierce advocate for equal justice, recognizing that the quality of justice in America was directly related to the color of one's skin and the size of their pocketbook. His life of principled courage is explored in the book "No Equal Justice," which breaks the silence of Black lawyers and judges.

The book begins by tracing the Crockett family history from slavery to George's admission into the University of Michigan Law School. He became one of the most senior Black lawyers in President Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal administration, playing a central role in fighting discrimination in the United Auto Workers union. In 1949, he became the only Black lawyer in a team of five attorneys defending the constitutional rights of the leaders of the U.S. Communist Party in United States v. Dennis, the longest and most dramatic political trial in American history.

At the close of the case, Crockett and his defense colleagues were summarily sentenced to prison for zealously representing their clients. He headed the National Lawyers Guild office in Jackson, Mississippi, during 1964's Freedom Summer. In 1966, he was elected to Detroit's Recorder's Court, the court hearing all criminal cases in the city. For the first time, Detroit had a courtroom where Black litigants knew they would be treated fairly.

In 1969, the New Bethel Church Incident was Crockett's most famous case. He held court proceedings in the police station itself, freeing members of a Black nationalist group. Crockett's legacy continues to inspire generations of lawyers and activists who fight for equal justice and social change. His commitment to principled courage and his unwavering dedication to the cause of civil rights are a testament to the power of one individual to make a difference.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780814348765