Dr. Isaac Amon has been announced as the recipient of the prestigious 2023 W. Oliver Rasch Award. The award was presented to him at the Annual Meeting of The Missouri Bar in recognition of his article titled "The enduring lesson of John Lilburne's saga: Self-incrimination in the criminal justice system," which was published in the January/February 2022 edition of the Journal of The Missouri Bar.
Dr. Amon, a certified lawyer in the state of Missouri, holds impressive academic credentials, including a Juris Doctorate, Master of Laws, and Doctor of Juridical Science from Washington University in St. Louis School of Law. He currently serves as the director of academic research at the Jewish Heritage Alliance, where he works to preserve the history and culture of Sephardic Jews.
The W. Oliver Rasch Award is bestowed annually by The Missouri Bar Foundation to recognize the author of an outstanding article published in the Missouri Bar Journal. Established in 1986, the award includes a $500 stipend and is selected based on the editorial board's recommendation to the board of trustees, who make the final decision.
In his acceptance speech, Dr. Amon expressed his gratitude for being chosen for the award and highlighted the significance of John Lilburne's legacy in shaping the right against self-incrimination in the United States Constitution. He emphasized the importance of passionate writing and its potential to inspire future generations of lawyers.
Dr. Amon's article delves into the 1637 trial of John Lilburne, examining its impact on the modern legal system and the protection of individual rights. Lilburne, a pamphleteer, was charged with distributing pamphlets imported from Holland and was arrested by the Star Chamber, a legislative body answerable only to the King. When Lilburne refused to accept the charges without being informed of them, exercising his right to remain silent, he faced punishment. However, he lived long enough to witness the abolition of the Star Chamber.
Dr. Isaac Amon's article sheds light on the enduring lessons of John Lilburne's saga and highlights the importance of the right against self-incrimination in today's criminal justice system. His extensive research and analysis have earned him well-deserved recognition with the 2023 W. Oliver Rasch Award.