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Guide to the New York Bureau of Legal Advice (New York Bureau of Legal First Aid)
Records
TAM.044
Descriptive Summary
| Creator:
|
New York Bureau of Legal Advice. |
| Title: |
New York Bureau of Legal Advice Records |
| Dates [inclusive]: |
1917-1919 |
| Abstract:
|
The New York Bureau of Legal First Aid was organized in 1917 with a grant from the
Women's Peace Party. Lead by attorney Charles Recht and feminist Frances M. Witherspoon,
it was the first organization to furnish free legal advice and counsel to anyone who
came into conflict with the new laws related to America's entry into World War I,
including draft resisters, conscientious objectors, and deserters. By 1918 it was
aiding at least 5,000 clients and changed its name to the New York Bureau of Legal
Advice (NYBLA). Though raided by the Bureau of Investigation in 1918, the NYBLA continued
with its anti-war campaigns until shortly after the Armistice was signed. The records
contain correspondence, office files, case histories, photographs, clippings, and
press releases relating to selective service exemption, draft evasion, conscientious
objector status, military discharge, desertion, amnesty, civil liberties and deportation.
|
| Quantity: |
6.5 linear feet in 13 manuscript boxes |
| Language of Materials note:
|
Materials are in English. |
| Call Phrase: |
TAM.044 |
