T32 Ex Parte Jack Ruby: Transcript of Hearing on Motion to Exclude Counsel

Object number1994.002.0004.0019

DateApril 1965

ClassificationsDocuments

ObjectTranscript

Credit LineDallas County District Clerk Collection/The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza

MediumPaper

Dimensions11 × 8 1/2 × 1/2 in. (27.9 × 21.6 × 1.3 cm)

Collections

DescriptionEx Parte Jack Ruby: Transcript of Hearing on Motion to Exclude Counsel. Appearances: Joe Tonahill, Phil Burleson and Sam Houston Clinton Jr. all appeared for the defendant. Bill Alexander, Jim Williamson and Henry Wade for the prosecution. Judge Louis T. Holland presided. Counsel Joe Tonahill argued to be kept on Jack Ruby's defense team. Phil Burleson, representing Ruby, argued against Tonahill. Prosecutor Bill Alexander made little contribution to the arguments. Both Earl Ruby (the defendant's brother) and the judge in the original trial, Judge Joe B. Brown, testified and were cross-examined by both sets of defense lawyers. Sol Dann was mentioned as the current lead counsel for the defense. At the end of the hearing, Jack Ruby testified about the lawyers, giving a long monologue during which he addressed many other topics, including his actions the day of the Oswald shooting. Transcript has no cover; 110 pages, typed on sturdy onionskin paper. First page (numbered Page 2) states: "No: E 4010 J Ex Parte: Jack Ruby Criminal District Court No. 3 of Dallas County, Texas, April Term, A. D., 1965 HEARING ON MOTION TO EXCLUDE COUNSEL APPEARANCES: Hon. Joe H. Tonahill Attorney at Law Jasper, Texas Hon. Phil Burleson Attorney at Law Dallas, Texas Hon. Sam Houston Clinton Jr. Attorney at Law Austin, Texas For the defendant Hon. James Williamson Assistant District Attorney Dallas, Texas Hon. Bill Alexander Assistant District Attorney Dallas, Texas Hon. Henry Wade Criminal District Attorney Dallas County, Texas For the State of Texas Hon. Louis T. Holland, Presiding Judge." There is a small handwritten note in blue ballpoint ink at the bottom of the first page that says, "Joey Dollar". The last page has a typed statement by court reporter L. B. Bailey Jr. certifying the transcript but is unsigned.

Curatorial Commentary

The Museum recorded oral histories with the following individuals named in this document: Earl Ruby, defense attorneys Joe Tonahill and Phil Burleson and Dallas County D.A. Henry Wade. - Stephen Fagin, Curator

Curatorial Commentary

More than a year after he was found guilty of murdering accused assassin Lee Harvey Oswald, and after numerous hearings and court appearances into his legal journey to prove himself innocent, this is the first time Jack Ruby himself spoke on record in a courtroom about his actions or motivations. - Lindsey Richardson, Curator of Collections