Charles Kenady Legal Papers on Joseph L. Alioto v. Cowles Communications., Inc. Trials, 1950-1977

Collection context

Summary

Creators:
Kenady, Charles W. (Charles Watson), 1922-2013 Cowles Communications, Inc. Kenady, Charles W.
Abstract:
Extent:
23 boxes
Language:
Preferred citation:

Charles Kenady Legal Papers on Joseph L. Alioto v. Cowles Communications., Inc. Trials. San Francisco Public Library, San Francisco History Center

Background

Scope and content:

Legal files likely belonging to Charles Kenady, the lead attorney for the defendant, Cowles Communications, in the libel suit brought by Joseph L. Alioto against the publisher of Look magazine. Includes depositions, investigative material of the magazine article's authors, transcripts, discovery motions, trial exhibits, attorneys' notes, and jury selection documents. Arrangement: Original folders and organization maintained. Series not created.

Biographical / historical:

Charles W. Kenady was the lead attorney for Cowles Communications in the libel trials brought by Joseph L. Alioto. In 1969, while Alioto was mayor of San Francisco, Look Magazine published an article linking him to organized crime. Alioto sued Cowles Communications, Look's owner, for $12.5 million in damages. Alioto was awarded a $350,000 judgment after four trials spanning eight years of legal battle.

Acquisition information:
Received from the University of San Diego's Pardee Legal Research Center on March 15, 2005. Provenance is unclear.

Access and use

Restrictions:

Open for research. The collection is offsite and advance notice is required for retrieval. Material must be requested at least 4 business days in advance of visit. The collection is available for use during San Francisco History Center hours. Photographs are available during Photo Desk hours.

Terms of access:

All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the City Archivist. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the San Francisco Public Library as the owner of the physical items.

Preferred citation:

Charles Kenady Legal Papers on Joseph L. Alioto v. Cowles Communications., Inc. Trials. San Francisco Public Library, San Francisco History Center

Location of this collection:
San Francisco Public Library
100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102, US
Contact:
(415) 557-4567