Podcasts
The Legacy of the Handschu Consent Decree: NYPD Investigations of Political Activity
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Muhammad Faridi, City Bar President, interviews Jethro Eisenstein, a key figure in the creation of the NYC’s Handschu Committee in response to NYPD “Red Squad” activities in the 1970s and 80s. Jethro shares the history of the Handschu litigation, a landmark case initiated in 1971 that imposed significant oversight on the NYPD’s investigation of political groups. Jethro recounts the origins of the case, the challenges that the Committee has faced through the years, and the evolution of legal oversight mechanisms over decades, including a post-9/11 revival. He reflects on his career and the impact of the Handschu guidelines on civil rights and police accountability.
01:37 Meet Jethro Eisenstein: A Legal Luminary
02:25 The Handschu Litigation: Origins and Impact
02:50 Jethro’s Journey to Law and Early Career
08:14 The Red Squad and Political Surveillance
09:56 The Panther 21 Trial and Its Aftermath
12:29 Drafting the Handschu Complaint
25:57 Litigation Challenges and Class Action Certification
29:03 Settlement and the Handschu Authority
40:50 Post-9/11 Changes and Legal Battles
47:12 Revelations and the Role of the Civilian
53:20 Jethro’s Legacy and Final Thoughts