Collection context
Summary
- Creators:
- Belli, Melvin M.
- Abstract:
- The Belli papers include the correspondence, working papers and personal papers of Melvin M. Belli. The materials have generally been kept in the order in which they were received and have been broken down into nine series following that arrangement: Correspondence; Case Files; Professional Files; Writings; Speaking Engagements; Television/Radio/Film; Press; Subject Files; and Personal.
- Extent:
- 12 cartons, 2 boxes, 1 oversize folder 16 linear feet
- Language:
- Collection materials are in English
Background
- Scope and content:
-
The Belli papers include the correspondence, working papers and personal papers of Melvin M. Belli. The materials have generally been kept in the order in which they were received and have been broken down into nine series following that arrangement: Correspondence; Case Files; Professional Files; Writings; Speaking Engagements; Television/Radio/Film; Press; Subject Files; and Personal.
- Biographical / historical:
-
Melvin Mouron Belli was born in Sonora, California in 1907. he was raised in Sonora and Stockton, graduating from Stockton High School in 1925. He went on to graduate from the University of California Berkeley and Boalt Law School, from which he graduated in 1933.
Belli quickly gained noteriety in the field of personal injury law due in part to his dramatic courtroom style. Christened the "King of Torts" by Life Magazine in 1954, Belli was known for securing large monetary awards for his personal injury clients.
Belli rose to national prominence in 1964 when he defended Jack Ruby in the murder of Lee Harvey Oswald. Other famous clients over the years of his practice included Lenny Bruce, Mario Savio, and Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker.
Belli died in 1996 at the age of 88.
- Acquisition information:
- The Melvin M. Belli Papers were given to The Bancroft Library by Robert L. Lieff in 2012.
- Rules or conventions:
- Finding Aid prepared using Describing Archives: a Content Standard
Access and use
- Location of this collection:
-
University of California, Berkeley, The Bancroft LibraryBerkeley, CA 94720-6000, US
- Contact:
- 510-642-6481