Arthur Goldberg: A Life Of Public Service

Mr. Deonte Nicolas 01 Aug 2025

Arthur Goldberg was an American politician, jurist, and diplomat who served as the United States Secretary of Labor from 1961 to 1962, as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1962 to 1965, and as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations from 1965 to 1968.

Goldberg was born in Chicago, Illinois, on August 11, 1908. He graduated from Northwestern University School of Law in 1930 and began his career as a lawyer in Chicago. In 1942, he joined the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), the predecessor to the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), and served as its general counsel.

After the war, Goldberg returned to Chicago and resumed his law practice. He also became involved in politics, and in 1948 he was elected to the Illinois state legislature. In 1960, he was elected to the United States Senate from Illinois. Goldberg was a liberal Democrat, and he was a strong supporter of President John F. Kennedy's civil rights agenda.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about Arthur Goldberg:

Question 1: What was Arthur Goldberg's background?
Arthur Goldberg was born in Chicago, Illinois, on August 11, 1908. His parents were Jewish immigrants from Russia. Goldberg graduated from Northwestern University School of Law in 1930 and began his career as a lawyer in Chicago.

Question 2: What was Goldberg's role in the Kennedy administration?
Goldberg was appointed Secretary of Labor by President John F. Kennedy in 1961. In this role, he was a strong advocate for civil rights and labor rights.

Question 3: When was Goldberg appointed to the Supreme Court?
Goldberg was appointed to the Supreme Court in 1962. He served as an Associate Justice until 1965.

Question 4: What were Goldberg's most notable opinions as a Supreme Court Justice?
Goldberg wrote the majority opinion in the landmark case of Escobedo v. Illinois (1964), which held that criminal suspects have the right to an attorney during police interrogations.

Question 5: Why did Goldberg resign from the Supreme Court?
Goldberg resigned from the Supreme Court in 1965 to become the United States Ambassador to the United Nations.

Question 6: What was Goldberg's role as Ambassador to the United Nations?
As Ambassador to the United Nations, Goldberg worked to promote peace and security around the world. He also played a key role in the negotiations that led to the signing of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty in 1968.

Closing Paragraph: Arthur Goldberg was a dedicated public servant who made significant contributions to American law and diplomacy. He was a strong advocate for civil rights and justice, and he worked tirelessly to promote peace and security around the world.

In addition to the information above, here are some additional facts about Arthur Goldberg:

Tips

Here are four practical tips for learning more about Arthur Goldberg and his contributions to American history:

Tip 1: Read Goldberg's autobiography.

Goldberg's autobiography, Equal Justice Under Law, is a fascinating account of his life and career. In this book, Goldberg discusses his childhood in Chicago, his legal career, his service in the Kennedy administration, and his time as a Supreme Court Justice and Ambassador to the United Nations.

Tip 2: Visit the Arthur J. Goldberg Center for Public Service and the Law.

The Arthur J. Goldberg Center for Public Service and the Law is a research center at Northwestern University School of Law. The center houses Goldberg's papers and other materials related to his life and career. The center also hosts events and programs on public service and the law.

Tip 3: Watch the documentary film "Arthur Goldberg: A Public Life."

The documentary film "Arthur Goldberg: A Public Life" is a comprehensive look at Goldberg's life and career. The film features interviews with Goldberg, his family, and friends, as well as archival footage and photographs.

Tip 4: Read books and articles about Goldberg.

There are a number of books and articles that have been written about Goldberg. These resources can provide you with additional insights into his life and career. Some recommended books include:

Arthur Goldberg: New Deal Liberal by Stephen Whitfield
Arthur Goldberg: The Public Life of a Private Man by Erwin Griswold
The Supreme Court Justices: A Biographical Dictionary by Clare Cushman

Closing Paragraph: Arthur Goldberg was a remarkable American who made significant contributions to his country. By following these tips, you can learn more about his life and legacy.

In addition to the tips above, here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:

Conclusion

Summary of Main Points

Arthur Goldburg was a distinguished American jurist and public servant.
He made significant contributions to the fields of law and public policy.
Goldberg's work helped to advance civil rights, social justice, and economic equality.
He was a tireless advocate for the rights of the less fortunate and a champion of the common good.

Message

Arthur Goldburg's life and career are an inspiration to us all. He showed us that it is possible to make a difference in the world through public service. He also showed us that it is never too late to fight for what is right. Goldberg's legacy will continue to inspire future generations of public servants. He will be remembered as a great man who made a lasting difference in the world.