Kenneth Starr

Kenneth Starr
Work of the U.S. Federal Government · Public domain · source
Name	Kenneth Starr
Birth date	July 21, 1946
Birth place	Vernon, Texas, United States
Death date	September 13, 2022
Death place	Houston, Texas, United States
Alma mater	George Washington University, Brown University, Duke University School of Law

Kenneth Starr was a prominent American lawyer, judge, and law professor who served as a federal judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit and as the Solicitor General of the United States under President George H.W. Bush. He is best known for his role as the independent counsel in the Whitewater controversy and the Monica Lewinsky scandal, which led to the Impeachment of Bill Clinton by the United States House of Representatives. Starr's career was marked by his involvement in high-profile cases, including the Oliver North trial and the Vincent Foster investigation. He was also a professor at Baylor University and served as the president of the university from 2010 to 2016.

● Early Life and Education

Kenneth Starr was born in Vernon, Texas, and grew up in San Antonio, Texas, where he attended Thomas Jefferson High School. He then enrolled at George Washington University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Affairs from the Elliott School of International Affairs. Starr later attended Brown University, earning a Master of Arts degree in Politics and Philosophy. He received his law degree from Duke University School of Law, where he served as the Note and Comment Editor of the Duke Law Journal. During his time at Duke University, Starr was heavily influenced by his professors, including William Rehnquist, who later became the Chief Justice of the United States.

● Career

Starr began his career as a law clerk for Chief Justice Warren E. Burger of the Supreme Court of the United States. He then worked as a associate at the law firm Kirkland & Ellis, where he became a partner in 1981. In 1981, Starr was appointed as a judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit by President Ronald Reagan. During his time on the court, Starr heard cases involving National Security Agency, Central Intelligence Agency, and Federal Bureau of Investigation matters. He also served as a member of the Judicial Conference of the United States and as the chairman of the Committee on Court Administration.

● Investigations and Notable Cases

Starr's most notable role was as the independent counsel in the Whitewater controversy, which involved Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton. The investigation led to the discovery of the Monica Lewinsky scandal, which resulted in the Impeachment of Bill Clinton by the United States House of Representatives. Starr also investigated the death of Vincent Foster, a close friend and advisor to the Clinton family. Additionally, Starr was involved in the Oliver North trial, where he served as a prosecutor, and the Iran-Contra affair, which involved Ronald Reagan and his administration. Starr's investigations and cases often involved high-profile figures, including Newt Gingrich, Bob Dole, and Al Gore.

● Later Career and Legacy

After leaving his position as independent counsel, Starr returned to private practice and became a partner at the law firm Kirkland & Ellis. He also taught law at New York University School of Law and George Mason University School of Law. In 2010, Starr became the president of Baylor University, a position he held until 2016. During his time at Baylor University, Starr was involved in several high-profile cases, including the Baylor University sexual assault scandal. Starr also served as a member of the Board of Directors of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities and as a trustee of the National Constitution Center. His legacy is marked by his involvement in high-profile cases and his commitment to the Rule of Law and the United States Constitution.

● Personal Life

Starr was married to Alice Mendell Starr and had three children. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and served as an elder at the National Presbyterian Church in Washington, D.C.. Starr was also a member of the Federalist Society and the American Law Institute. He received several awards, including the Distinguished Service Award from the National Center for State Courts and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Bar Association. Starr passed away on September 13, 2022, at the age of 76, in Houston, Texas, leaving behind a legacy as a prominent figure in American law and politics. Category:American judges