Collections : [Rare Book & Manuscript Library]

The papers begin in 1681 with the appeal of Capt. Palmer from a decision of the Mayor's Court and conclude with a suit brought on Sept. 24, 1819 by one Leggett. Large quantities of returns of writs of inquiry, especially during 1770-1775, are present as well as numerous legal opinions by government officials. The papers are largely pleadings of attorneys, occasional briefs or abstracts of arguments but relatively few judgments or decrees. Endorsements on the papers frequently convey the treatment of the case in Court.

Papers of the Society, including correspondence among the officers and directors of the Society, memoranda, reports, legal papers, minutes, financial records, radio scripts, clippings, scrapbooks, comic books, and a subject file of pamphlets and clippings on all aspects of crime prevention. Also, an extensive history of the Society.

Legal briefs, opinions, depositions, notes, memoranda, correspondence, and miscellaneous printed material of Polier. The materials are primarily photocopies of court documents which Polier assembled in the course of monitoring legal precedents for the Children's Defense Fund and the Field Foundation. Among the topics covered in the files are abortion, discrimination, education, foster care, juvenile justice, mental health, and parental rights.