Research


Administrative History

Robert Abrams, attorney general of New York from 1979-1993, was born July 4, 1938, and was raised and educated in the Bronx. He was educated in the public schools, Columbia College, and the New York University School of Law. After graduation he was engaged in the private practice of law in New York City.

In 1965 Abrams was elected to the first of three terms in the State Assembly. He served on several committees, including the Judiciary Committee, and sponsored and supported numerous pieces of legislation in the areas of tenant protection, broadening voter registration, election law reform, and education. He authored the first law creating a prison work release program, and his bill to fight child abuse was a landmark measure.

In 1969 Abrams was elected borough president of the Bronx, becoming the youngest person ever elected to that post. As borough president, he was a member of the Board of Estimate, the highest policy-making body of the City of New York. He was a strong advocate of expanding day care programs and giving local communities greater input in municipal decision. He also was an early advocate of bi-lingual education in the public schools. He was reelected in 1973 and 1977.

In 1978 Abrams was elected attorney general of the State of New York. During his tenure, the attorney general's office focused efforts on such issues as environmental pollution, white-collar crime, organized crime, consumer protection, antitrust enforcement, and civil rights.