LS

Lynne Stewart

31quotes

Full Name and Common Aliases


Lynne Stewart was a renowned American attorney, activist, and author.

Birth and Death Dates


Born: October 8, 1939
Died: March 12, 2020

Nationality and Profession(s)


Nationality: American
Profession: Attorney, Activist, Author

Early Life and Background


Lynne Stewart was born in Brooklyn, New York, to a working-class family. Her father, a union leader, instilled in her a strong sense of social justice from an early age. Growing up during the Great Depression and World War II, Stewart developed a deep understanding of the struggles faced by ordinary people.

Major Accomplishments


Stewart's career as a defense attorney spanned over four decades. She was known for her unwavering commitment to representing marginalized communities, including those accused of terrorism, immigration offenses, and other crimes carrying harsh penalties. One of her most notable clients was Sheikh Omar Abdel Rahman, the spiritual leader of the Egyptian Islamist group Gamaa Islamiyya.

Notable Works or Actions


In 2000, Stewart's representation of Sheikh Omar Abdel Rahman led to her being charged with providing material support to a terrorist organization and conveying false information. This marked the beginning of a long and tumultuous legal battle, which would eventually result in her conviction and imprisonment. Despite these challenges, Stewart continued to advocate for human rights and social justice throughout her career.

Impact and Legacy


Lynne Stewart's impact on the world of law and activism is immeasurable. Her tireless efforts to defend those deemed "unrepresentable" by mainstream society have inspired countless individuals to pursue careers in public defense and advocacy. As a vocal critic of government overreach and abuse, she shed light on issues such as solitary confinement, torture, and the erosion of civil liberties.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


Lynne Stewart's unyielding commitment to justice, coupled with her unwavering dedication to marginalized communities, has cemented her place in history. Her unwavering courage in the face of adversity serves as a beacon for those fighting against systemic injustices and for human rights worldwide. Her legacy continues to inspire new generations of activists, lawyers, and social change-makers.

"The law is a tool of oppression. The only way we're going to get justice is by making it."
ā€” Lynne Stewart

Quotes by Lynne Stewart

I don't have any problem with Mao or Stalin or the Vietnamese leaders or certainly Fidel locking up people they see as dangerous. Because so often, dissidence has been used by the greater powers to undermine a people's revolution.
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I don't have any problem with Mao or Stalin or the Vietnamese leaders or certainly Fidel locking up people they see as dangerous. Because so often, dissidence has been used by the greater powers to undermine a people's revolution.
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#people
I got a job as a children's librarian at PS 175 in Harlem, and that changed everything. That was an epiphany. I didn't know Harlem existed. I didn't know there was such a place, because I grew up in white Queens, where five miles is 100 miles.
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I got a job as a children's librarian at PS 175 in Harlem, and that changed everything. That was an epiphany. I didn't know Harlem existed. I didn't know there was such a place, because I grew up in white Queens, where five miles is 100 miles.
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#jobs
The only way not to be afraid is to join with other people who are also afraid.
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The only way not to be afraid is to join with other people who are also afraid.
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#people
You've got to learn to handle the press because god knows the government does all the time.
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You've got to learn to handle the press because god knows the government does all the time.
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#god-knows
There's a lot of active radical thought today but not much action.
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There's a lot of active radical thought today but not much action.
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#today
There are lawyers who believe in client-centered representation and who are dedicated on the same level I feel I was dedicated.
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There are lawyers who believe in client-centered representation and who are dedicated on the same level I feel I was dedicated.
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#levels
Lawyering is very individualistic. There are lawyers who are going to be that persistent birddog, they're never going to give up on the client, they're going to defend people.
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Lawyering is very individualistic. There are lawyers who are going to be that persistent birddog, they're never going to give up on the client, they're going to defend people.
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#giving-up
The prosecution makes all the important decisions: what's charged, how much is charged, whether you can get a decent offer. Every defendant becomes an informant today.
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The prosecution makes all the important decisions: what's charged, how much is charged, whether you can get a decent offer. Every defendant becomes an informant today.
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#decision
I would never defend a cop - though I did on a few private cases, when cops were acting not as cops but as private citizens.
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I would never defend a cop - though I did on a few private cases, when cops were acting not as cops but as private citizens.
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#acting
I couldn't add my talent, which is prodigious, to a defense of someone even accused of hurting a child.
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I couldn't add my talent, which is prodigious, to a defense of someone even accused of hurting a child.
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#children
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