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Eric HolderAttorney General of the United States
Date of Birth: 21.01.1951
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Eric Holder: A Trailblazing Attorney General
- Early Life and Education
- In 1976, Holder received his law degree from Columbia Law School.
- U.S. Attorney and Deputy Attorney General
- Attorney General
- War on Terror and Civil Rights
Eric Holder: A Trailblazing Attorney General
Eric Holder, a prominent figure in American jurisprudence, holds the distinction of being the first African American to serve as United States Attorney General.
Early Life and Education
Born in the Bronx, New York, to parents from Barbados, Holder received his early education at a private school. He later enrolled in a program for gifted students. In 1969, he graduated from high school and attended Columbia University, where he played basketball and served as team captain. He earned an honors degree in American history in 1973.
In 1976, Holder received his law degree from Columbia Law School.
Public Service CareerJustice Department and D.C. Circuit
After law school, Holder joined the Public Integrity Section of the U.S. Department of Justice. He played a role in the investigation of Congressman John Jenrette. In 1988, he was appointed to the District of Columbia Circuit Court by President Ronald Reagan.
U.S. Attorney and Deputy Attorney General
In 1993, Holder became the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, appointed by President Bill Clinton. He was the first African American to hold that position. In 1997, Clinton appointed Holder as Deputy Attorney General under Janet Reno. The Senate confirmed his nomination after resolving concerns over his stance on the death penalty. Again, Holder was the first African American to serve in this role.
As Deputy Attorney General, Holder focused on budget and personnel matters. He also represented the NFL in the Michael Vick dogfighting case and the Swiss bank UBS in a tax avoidance investigation.
Attorney General
In 2008, President Barack Obama selected Holder as his nominee for Attorney General. Holder assumed office in March 2009.
War on Terror and Civil Rights
Holder became a staunch supporter of the president's "war on terror." He argued that the killing of Osama bin Laden was legal and defended the use of drones. He also advocated for civil rights issues, opposing Arizona's immigration laws and delivering a controversial speech in 2009 in which he described America as a "nation of cowards."
