Emile Zola Berman

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Emile Zola Berman (November 3, 1902 – July 3, 1981) was a Jewish-American criminal defense lawyer. He was named for the famed French novelist Emile Zola (1840-1902). During World War II he served under General Joseph Stillwell in Burma and received the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Bronze Star. He was discharged as a lieutenant colonel.

[edit] Famous Cases

Berman first became nationally known in 1956 when he defended Staff Sgt. Matthew McKeon who was accused of manslaughter after leading men into a creek during a training exercise on Parris Island. Six of the men drowned, but Berman was able to get McKeon off the most serious charges. In 1969 Berman was part of the defense team of Sirhan Sirhan, the assassin of Robert F. Kennedy. Berman received cricitism for defending an avowed anti-Zionist but countered his critics by stating that he was defending Sirhan's rights not his beliefs.

[edit] References

EMILE ZOLA BERMAN, 78, DEAD; DEFENSE ATTORNEY FOR SIRHAN, The New York Times, July 5, 1981, Sunday, Late City Final Edition, Section 1; Part 1; Page 14, Column 4; Metropolitan Desk, 793 words, By LINDA CHARLTON