Michael Goldsmith, professor at Brigham Young University’s J. Reuben Clark Law School professor, died Nov. 1, three years after being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the paralyzing condition known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
The BYU Law student body voted Goldsmith, 58, “Professor of the Year” six times during his tenure. He lectured on criminal procedure, evidence, RICO, trial advocacy and complex criminal investigations.
On July 4, Goldsmith threw in the ceremonial first pitch at Yankee Stadium to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Yankee baseball player Gehrig’s “Luckiest Man” speech. Gehrig also lost his life to ALS, which came to be named after him. Stricken with ALS himself, Goldsmith was honored to participate in Major League Baseball’s 4•ALS Awareness event, which he set in motion after writing a guest column in Newsweek in November 2008.
In addition to teaching, Goldsmith’s legal career included his 1994 appointment by President Bill Clinton to the U.S. Sentencing Commission, which he also chaired for one year. Goldsmith served as a former Assistant United States Attorney, and as Counsel to the New York State Organized Crime Task Force. He wrote extensively on RICO, asset forfeiture, and electronic surveillance, and previously served as Vice-chairman of the ABA Criminal Justice Section, RICO Committee.
Goldsmith’s work has been cited in numerous judicial decisions. He testified before the United States Congress on several occasions.
