Robert W. Kenny | |
|---|---|
 Kenny in the 1930s | |
| 21st Attorney General of California | |
| In office January 4, 1943 – January 5, 1947 | |
| Governor | Earl Warren |
| Preceded by | Earl Warren |
| Succeeded by | Frederick N. Howser |
| Member of the California Senate from the 38th district | |
| In office January 2, 1939 – January 4, 1943 | |
| Preceded by | Culbert Olson |
| Succeeded by | Jack Tenney |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 21, 1901 Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Died | July 20, 1976 (aged 74) La Jolla, California, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Sara B. McCann
(m. 1922; div. 1938) |
| Education | Stanford University |
Robert Walker Kenny (August 21, 1901 – July 20, 1976), 21st Attorney General of California (1943-1947), was "a colorful figure in state politics for many years" who in 1946 ran unsuccessfully against Earl Warren for state governor (a race in which Warren won both Republican and Democratic nominations).
During World War II, Kenny was an active proponent of the incarceration of Japanese Americans which the office has since apologized for describing it as a "failure of political leadership" and a racist policy.[1] In 1947, he led the defense of the Hollywood Ten.[2][3]
- ^ Reports, Rafu (2023-08-15). "Bonta Issues Apology Acknowledging Complicity of State Attorney General's Office in Incarceration of JAs". Rafu Shimpo. Retrieved 2023-08-16.
- ^ Clark, Alfred E. (22 July 1976). "Robert Kenny, Attorney, Dead; Led National Lawyers Guild". New York Times. p. 34. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
- ^ "Register of the Robert W. Kenny Papers, 1823-1975 - Biography". Online Archive of California. Retrieved 22 April 2020.