Sol Wachtler
Sol Wachtler | |
|---|---|
| Born | Solomon Wachtler April 29, 1930 Brooklyn, New York, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Washington and Lee University (BA, LLB) |
| Occupation(s) | Attorney, judge |
| Spouse | Joan Wolosoff |
| Children | Lauren Wachtler Montclare Marjorie Wachtler Eagan Alison Wachtler Braunstein Philip Wachtler |
Solomon "Sol" Wachtler (born April 29, 1930) is an American lawyer and Republican politician. He was Chief Judge of the New York Court of Appeals from 1985 to 1992. Wachtler's most famous quote, made shortly after his appointment as Chief Judge, was that district attorneys could get grand juries to "indict a ham sandwich".
Wachtler achieved national notoriety in 1992 when he was charged with various crimes stemming from threats he made against a former lover, Joy Silverman, and her daughter. After resigning his judgeship, Wachtler pleaded guilty to the charges and served thirteen months in prison and a half-way house. After his release, Wachtler became an author and critic, as well as an advocate for the mentally ill.