Panken, Jacob, 1879-

Jacob Panken (1879-1968) was a socialist, labor leader and judge. Following early involvement in labor organizing, he was elected New York Municipal Court Judge on the Socialist ticket (1917). He was appointed to the court by Mayor La Guardia in 1934. He wrote about juvenile delinquency, laying major responsibility on parental neglect and media violence. He ran unsuccessfully for governor, senator and New York City mayor and was active in the Organization for Rehabilitation through Training (ORT), a Jewish philanthropic organization.

From the guide to the Jacob Panken Papers, 1922-1964, (Tamiment Library / Wagner Archives)