Abstract The Metropolitan Detroit Branch of the ACLU was chartered in 1952 and joined the Lansing and Ann Arbor area chapters in 1961 to form the ACLU of Michigan, coordinating civil liberties activities for these and several other chapters that formed over the next decades. Their records related primarily to the Detroit Branch and include subjects such as: academic freedom; censorship; church and state; civil liberties; police brutality; HUAC; and legal assistance to prisoners.

Abstract Carl Cohen (born 1931) was elected chairman of the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan in 1971. His papers reflect his work with the Michigan ACLU, as well as the stance of the ACLU on various issues, both local and national. The collection includes correspondence, memos, press releases and clippings dealing with many civil liberty issues, as well as organizational documents of the ACLU of Michigan.

Abstract David Klein served as Executive Director for the United Auto Workers (UAW) Public Review Board, as President of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Detroit Chapter and as an officer in the National Lawyers Guild. Mr. Klein’s papers reflect his work with labor issues and the civil rights movement, documenting his work with the ACLU, the National Lawyers Guild and as a labor arbitrator.

Abstract Mr. Ellmann, an attorney and general counsel for the Michigan Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, has long been active in the work of the ACLU. Correspondence, minutes, and reports cover such topics as women's rights, Viet Nam, abolition of the draft law, and amnesty for draft resisters.

Abstract Francis Heisler practiced law, representing numerous labor unions, conscientious objectors and draft resisters, and handled many civil rights and civil liberties cases in both Chicago, IL and California. His papers reflect his legal career with primary emphasis on labor-related cases.

Abstract Lawyer Harold Norris served as chairman of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Detroit Branch and was a member of the National Lawyers Guild. Mr. Norris’ papers reflect his interest in issues of civil rights and civil liberties and document his career as a lawyer and advocate for the ACLU.

Abstract Rolland R. O'Hare was a practicing attorney affiliated with both the local Detroit chapter and national American Civil Liberties Union. His papers reflect primarily his activities on behalf of the national organization.