Collection Summary
Information for Researchers
Administrative Information
Collection Summary
Collection Title: Melvin M. Belli papers
Date (inclusive): 1939-1989
Date (bulk): 1955-1980
Collection Number: BANC MSS 2012/185
Creator:
Belli, Melvin M.
Extent:
12 cartons, 2 boxes, 1 oversize folder
16 linear feet
Repository: The Bancroft Library.
University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, CA 94720-6000
Phone: (510) 642-6481
Fax: (510) 642-7589
Email: bancref@library.berkeley.edu
URL: http://bancroft.berkeley.edu/
Abstract: The Belli papers include the correspondence, working papers and personal papers of Melvin M. Belli. The materials have generally
been kept in the order in which they were received and have been broken down into nine series following that arrangement:
Correspondence; Case Files; Professional Files; Writings; Speaking Engagements; Television/Radio/Film; Press; Subject Files;
and Personal.
Languages Represented: Collection materials are in English
Information for Researchers
Access Information
Collection is open for research.
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], Melvin M. Belli Papers, BANC MSS 2012/185, The Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley
Indexing Terms
The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in the library's online public access catalog
Belli, Melvin M., 1907-1996--Archives
Lawyers -- California -- San Francisco.
Lawyers -- United States.
Trial practice--United States.
Administrative Information
The Melvin M. Belli Papers were given to The Bancroft Library by Robert L. Lieff in 2012.
No additions are expected.
Processing Information
Processed by Bancroft Library staff in 2013.
Biography/Organization History
Melvin Mouron Belli was born in Sonora, California in 1907. he was raised in Sonora and Stockton, graduating from Stockton
High School in 1925. He went on to graduate from the University of California Berkeley and Boalt Law School, from which he
graduated in 1933.
Belli quickly gained noteriety in the field of personal injury law due in part to his dramatic courtroom style. Christened
the "King of Torts" by Life Magazine in 1954, Belli was known for securing large monetary awards for his personal injury clients.
Belli rose to national prominence in 1964 when he defended Jack Ruby in the murder of Lee Harvey Oswald. Other famous clients
over the years of his practice included Lenny Bruce, Mario Savio, and Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker.
Belli died in 1996 at the age of 88.
Scope and Content Note
The Belli papers include the correspondence, working papers and personal papers of Melvin M. Belli. The materials have generally
been kept in the order in which they were received and have been broken down into nine series following that arrangement:
Correspondence; Case Files; Professional Files; Writings; Speaking Engagements; Television/Radio/Film; Press; Subject Files;
and Personal.