Nicholas Katzenbach, American soldier, lawyer, and politician, 65th United States Attorney General (d. 2012)

Nicholas deBelleville Katzenbach (January 17, 1922 – May 8, 2012) was a distinguished American lawyer and prominent public servant, best known for his pivotal role as United States Attorney General during the transformative Lyndon B. Johnson administration. His extensive career, spanning legal academia, government, and the private sector, left an indelible mark on American jurisprudence and civil rights.

Born in Princeton, New Jersey, Katzenbach's early life was marked by exceptional academic achievement and a profound commitment to justice. He pursued his undergraduate studies at Yale University, followed by a prestigious Rhodes Scholarship at Balliol College, Oxford. His education was interrupted by valiant service in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II, where he endured time as a prisoner of war. Upon his return, he earned his law degree from Yale Law School, laying the groundwork for a remarkable legal career.

Before ascending to the nation's chief law enforcement position, Katzenbach honed his legal expertise as a law professor at institutions like Yale and the University of Chicago. His journey into public service began in 1961 when he joined the Department of Justice as Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Legal Counsel under then-Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy. His acumen and dedication quickly earned him a promotion to Deputy Attorney General in 1962, a role in which he was deeply involved in critical legal and constitutional challenges of the era.

One of his most defining moments as Deputy Attorney General occurred in June 1963, during the infamous "Stand in the Schoolhouse Door" incident at the University of Alabama. In a direct confrontation with Governor George Wallace, Katzenbach personally delivered the presidential proclamation and court orders, leading to the desegregation of the university. This courageous act underscored his unwavering commitment to civil rights enforcement.

In 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson appointed Nicholas Katzenbach as United States Attorney General. During his tenure, from February 1965 to October 1966, he became a central figure in the administration's efforts to enact and enforce landmark civil rights legislation. He played an instrumental role in the implementation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, and was a key architect behind the Voting Rights Act of 1965, a monumental piece of legislation that prohibited racial discrimination in voting.

Beyond civil rights, Katzenbach contributed significantly to various national issues. He served as a staff member for the Warren Commission, tasked with investigating the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, and helped shape federal policy on crime and justice during a period of rising social unrest.

After leaving the Department of Justice, Katzenbach continued his distinguished public service as Under Secretary of State from 1966 to 1969, navigating complex diplomatic challenges during the height of the Cold War and the Vietnam War. Subsequently, he transitioned to the private sector, serving in senior legal capacities, most notably as Senior Vice President and General Counsel for IBM Corporation. Nicholas Katzenbach passed away on May 8, 2012, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, intellectual rigor, and profound contributions to American law and civil liberties.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nicholas Katzenbach

When did Nicholas Katzenbach serve as United States Attorney General?

Nicholas Katzenbach served as the United States Attorney General under President Lyndon B. Johnson from February 1965 to October 1966.

What was Nicholas Katzenbach's key role in the American Civil Rights Movement?

Katzenbach played a crucial role in enforcing desegregation, most notably confronting Governor George Wallace at the University of Alabama's "Stand in the Schoolhouse Door" in 1963 as Deputy Attorney General. As Attorney General, he was instrumental in the implementation of the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964 and a primary architect of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, both of which were foundational to advancing racial equality in the United States.

Did Nicholas Katzenbach hold any other significant government positions?

Yes, prior to becoming Attorney General, he served as Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Legal Counsel and then as Deputy Attorney General. After his tenure as Attorney General, he was appointed Under Secretary of State, serving from 1966 to 1969.

What was Nicholas Katzenbach's professional background before entering government?

Before his extensive career in government, Nicholas Katzenbach was an accomplished legal academic, having served as a law professor at institutions such as Yale University and the University of Chicago Law School.