Alum, SMD Professor Steinberg dies at 80

Steinberg earned his B.A. from Rochester in 1940. He went on to Syracuse University's College of Law to earn his L.L.B. in 1947 and his J.D. in 1964--both with honors.

He taught in the Department of Psychiatry for some 25 years and in 1996 was named a full professor. He gave grand rounds, lectured to medical students, and conducted seminars for psychiatric residents on a wide range of topics.

Steinberg also had an active career as an attorney in Rochester for over 50 years. He practiced as a special assistant public defender and as a solo practitioner.

The Charles E. Steinberg Fellowship in Psychiatry and the Law was established in the Department of Psychiatry in 1988 on his 70th birthday in recognition of his contributions to the field of psychiatry and the law. An annual lecture is held that addresses relevant issues in this field and on September 8, the 13th Steinberg lecture honored his career.

The University recognized Steinberg and his wife, Muriel, for their donations to the institution when it awarded them with the commemorative "Brass Doorknob."

He also was a faculty member of the forensic psychiatry course of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law for 10 years. In 1986, he was presented with AAPL's Amicus Award in recognition of his contributions to the interface of law and psychiatry--its highest award given to a nonpsychiatrist.

"For a quarter of a century, Charles Steinberg challenged the intellect and imagination of his students with the rich experience he brought from courtroom to classroom, along with his unfailing good humor," said Professor J. Richard Ciccone, director of the Psychiatry and Law Program. "With his passing, the Psychiatry and Law Program lost an outstanding teacher, esteemed colleague, and loyal friend."

Steinberg is survived by his wife, Muriel, of Rochester; daughters Elizabeth Steinberg of Rochester and Carol Gould of Boca Raton, Fla.; sisters Harriette Croog and Josephine Schwartz, both of Rochester; and granddaughter Lindsay Steinberg, a college student in Lancaster, Pa.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Charles E. Steinberg Fellowship, in care of Professor Ciccone, Department of Psychiatry, Med G-9027C, Box PSYCH.

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