Jacob Spiegel
Jacob J. Spiegel (September 1902 – April 9, 1984) was a justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court from 1960 to 1972. He was appointed by Governor Foster Furcolo.
Early life, education, and career
[edit]Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Spiegel attended The English High School, and received his law degree from Boston University School of Law in 1922.[1] In 1936, Spiegel worked for the Senate campaign of Henry Cabot Lodge Jr. and later became Lodge's legislative secretary.[1]
Judicial service
[edit]In 1939, Spiegel became a Special Justice of the Boston Municipal Court,[2] appointed to that office by Governor Leverett Saltonstall.[1]
Prior to his appointment to the state Supreme Judicial Court, Spiegel was a personal attorney to Governor Furcolo.[2] Spiegel was the first Jewish justice to serve on the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court,[3] and became known as a champion for civil rights on the court, writing decisions that "led the way against racial discrimination in housing".[1] In one decision, he opined that "discrimination based on the hope of monetary gain and not upon a personal prejudice is ever more reprehensible".[1] Spiegel resigned from the court upon reaching the statutory age limit.[1]
Personal life and death
[edit]In August 1941, Spiegel married Peggy Schwarz of Beverly Hills, California, whom Spiegel had met while travelling aboard the SS America the previous year.[4] They had one child, a daughter, named Lynne Spiegel born February 28, 1949, now living in San Clemente, CA.[1] Spiegel died in Brookline, Massachusetts, at the age of 83.[1]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g h Gregory Witcher, "Justice Jacob Spiegel, 83; served 12 years on Mass. Supreme Court", The Boston Globe (April 11, 1984), p. 31.
- ^ a b "Bar Leaders Discuss Furcolo Reply to Judge", The Boston Globe (October 6, 1960), p. 15.
- ^ "Massachusetts Jewish History". www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org. American-Israeli Cooperative Enterprise. Retrieved 8 May 2023.
- ^ "Judge Jacob Spiegel Weds Peggy Schwarz of Beverly Hills, Calif.", The Boston Globe (August 27, 1941), p. 17.
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