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Fortas Resigns / Statement / Congressional Reaction #5212

ABC Evening News for Thursday, May 15, 1969
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(Studio) Justice Fortas, in letter of resignation to Chief Justice Earl Warren, denies improprieties in dealing with financier Louis Wolfson.
REPORTER: Frank Reynolds

(DC) Court press officer got news 1st. Warren wishes Fortas happiness and praises his work. Fortas resigns to free court of controversy surrounding him. Canceled $20,000 yearly life payments from Wolfson Foundation before Wolfson indicted. But didn't return original $20,000 fee until after indictment. Denies interceding on Wolfson's behalf. 1st Justice to resign under pressure.
REPORTER: Sam Donaldson

(DC) Some Congmen. demand fuller investigation. [Senator Albert GORE - deplores whole episode, including Attorney General John Mitchell's actions.] [Senator Peter DOMINICK - says distrust of judicial department will exist until get to roots of issue.] [Representative Emanuel CELLER - calls any more action feeding on a carcass.] [Senator Joseph TYDINGS - says Fortas should be treated like any other citizen.] New standards may bar justices from outside earnings.
REPORTER: Bob Clark

Reporter(s):
Clark, Bob;
Donaldson, Sam;
Reynolds, Frank
Duration:
00:03:40

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