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Kenneth Lasson papers

 Collection
Identifier: MS-0275

Scope and Contents

Collection consists largely of research notes, interview tapes, drafts and correspondence relating to seven of Lasson's books and legal articles. The material dates from 1966 to 1990. The material in this collection relates almost entirely to Lasson's writings, especially his books, and reflects his interest in the interaction between U.S. citizens and their government. Most of the articles appeared in law journals (1985-90) and deal with racism and free speech, racism in higher education, religious toleration, and legal scholarship.

The most detailed files are those for the three books in which Lasson profiled individuals at work in or at odds with the system. These are The Workers (1971), Proudly We Hail: Profiles of Public Citizens in Action (1975), and Private Lives of Public Servants (1978). There are also files on "Getting the Most Out of Washington" which Lasson wrote with Senator William Cohen in 1982 and "Mousetraps and Muffling Cups: 100 Brilliant and Bizarre U.S. Patents" (1986).

Other books are handbooks to help individuals understand and negotiate federal bureaucracies. These include Your Rights and the Draft (1980), Your Rights as a Vet (1981), Getting the Most Out of Washington (1982), and Representing Yourself: What You Can Do Without a Lawyer (1983).

The files for each book vary but in general include correspondence, research material, and drafts. For Your Rights and the Draft there is only a copy of the published book.

Dates

  • Creation: 1966-1990

Creator

Conditions Governing Use

Single copies may be made for research purposes. Researchers are responsible for determining any copyright questions. It is not necessary to seek our permission as the owner of the physical work to publish or otherwise use public domain materials that we have made available for use, unless Johns Hopkins University holds the copyright.

Biographical Note

Kenneth Lasson was born in 1943. In 1963 he received his B.A. from The Johns Hopkins University, and in 1967 received an M.A. from The Writing Seminars at Hopkins. Lasson also received a J.D. degree in 1966 from the University of Maryland School of Law.

For four years (1969-1972) Lasson was associated with Ralph Nader's Center for the Study of Responsive Law. During that time Lasson produced The Workers for the Center. He has served as assistant to the Dean, University of Maryland School of Law (1967-1969), assistant to the President, Goucher College (1970-1971), and Affirmative Action Officer, Loyola College (1977-1979). Lasson has also taught in various institutions. He was a lecturer at The Johns Hopkins University (1966-1968), assistant professor in Political Science and Communications Arts at Loyola College (1972-1978), lecturer at the University of Maryland School of Law (1977), and professor at the University of Baltimore School of Law (beginning in 1980).

Lasson was the author of eight books and numerous articles.

Extent

37.6 Cubic Feet (19 record center cartons, 5 letter size document boxes, 6 legal size document boxes, 1 legal half-size document box, 2 flat boxes (15.5 x 12 x 3 inches), 11 pamphlet box (15.5 x 8 x 10.5 inches))

Language of Materials

English

Provenance

The papers were donated by Kenneth Lasson in July 1989 and November 1990.

Processing Information

Finding aid prepared by Cynthia H. Requardt in February, November 1990.

Subject

Title
Kenneth Lasson papers
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections Repository

Contact:
The Sheridan Libraries
Special Collections
3400 N Charles St
Baltimore MD 21218 USA