Jaworski, Leon 1976-02-02

Leon Jaworski, prominent Texas attorney and special prosecutor in the Watergate hearings, gives his acceptance speech as the 1976 recipient of the Thomas Jefferson Award during the Texas Tech Mass Communications Week. In a press conference, he discusses various current issues, including Watergate, Richard Nixon’s visit to China, and free press and fair trial.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: Leon Jaworski

Additional Parties Recorded:

Date: February 2, 1976

Location: Lubbock, Texas

Interviewer: Speech, Press Conference

Length: 45 minutes (total)

Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Introduction, John Anderson, Managing editor of the Corpus Christi paper, Will Jerry, Managing editor of Dallas Times Herald, Tech ex, Introduction of head table, Virgil Moore and wife, Rush Evans, Mrs. Grover Murray, Leon Jaworski and wife, Dr. Clyde Kelsey, Ms. Nancy Kelsey, Mr. and Mrs. John Taylor, Special guests, Senator and Mrs. Kent Hance, Representative and Mrs. E. L. Short, Mayor and Mrs. Roy Bass, Bob Duncan, Lubbock County Judge Rod Shaw, Mrs. Carolyn Jordan, Representative R. B. McAllister, Mr. Stan Rogers, Ms. Carol Fundework, Mr. and Mrs. L. U. Kieser, Mr. Howard Gates, Mr. John Alves, Rush Evans introduces Leon Jaworski, Thomas Jefferson Award, history of recipients, Leon Jaworski, 1976 Recipient, Other accomplishments, Watergate involvement, Jaworski’s acceptance speech, First Amendment rights, Freedom of the Press, Hitler, Transformation of Greece to a dictatorship, Early colonies, John Peter Zenger, Anecdote: charged in New York with unauthorized publishing (1735), Andrew Hamilton, Defense lawyer of Philadelphia, Landmark case concerning freedom of news media, Closing.

Tape 1, Side 2: Blank

Tape 2, Side 1: Too much freedom of press?, Releasing classified information, Acceptance of Watergate prosecution position, Richard Nixon’s visit to China, Duval County impeachment, "Real story" of Watergate, Nixon’s pardon, Watergate’s effects on election, Transgressions on local and state levels, Nixon’s political actions on China trip, Governmental structural changes due to Watergate, Satisfaction with proceedings, Death penalty, Reporters privileged information, Gag order, Patty Hearst case, Free press and discovery of Watergate, Television trials.

Tape 2, Side 2: Blank

Range Dates: 1735-1976

Bulk Dates: 1970s

Access Information

Original Recording Format:

Recording Format Notes:

Transcript:

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