H. Lee Sarokin, a former federal judge who made headlines for his decision to grant freedom to Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, passed away on February 28, 2021, at the age of 94. Sarokin was known for his commitment to justice and his willingness to challenge the status quo, even when it was unpopular.
Sarokin was born in Newark, New Jersey, in 1926. He attended Rutgers University and Harvard Law School before serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After his military service, Sarokin worked as a lawyer in private practice before being appointed to the federal bench by President Jimmy Carter in 1979.
During his time on the bench, Sarokin presided over a number of high-profile cases, including the trial of Rubin “Hurricane” Carter. Carter was a former professional boxer who had been convicted of a triple murder in Paterson, New Jersey, in 1966. Despite the lack of physical evidence linking Carter to the crime, he was sentenced to life in prison.
Carter maintained his innocence and became a cause célèbre among activists and celebrities, including Bob Dylan, who wrote a song about him. In 1985, Sarokin agreed to hear an appeal of Carter’s case and ultimately ruled that the prosecution had withheld evidence that could have exonerated Carter. Sarokin ordered a new trial, but the prosecution declined to pursue the case and Carter was released from prison.
Sarokin’s decision was controversial at the time, with some critics accusing him of judicial activism. However, his ruling was widely praised by civil rights advocates and others who saw it as a victory for justice.
In addition to the Carter case, Sarokin also made headlines for his rulings on other controversial issues, including affirmative action and abortion rights. He retired from the bench in 1996 and went on to become a prolific writer and commentator on legal issues.
Sarokin’s legacy as a champion of justice and defender of civil rights will be remembered for years to come. His decision to grant freedom to Rubin “Hurricane” Carter was a landmark moment in the fight for justice and equality, and his commitment to upholding the law and challenging injustice will continue to inspire future generations.
