He held several positions in the federal government, serving as director of the Justice Department's office of criminal justice under Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy.

He later directed President Lyndon B. Johnson's Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Justice. The commission distributed about $1 billion a year to state and local criminal justice agencies.

Despite a long battle with Parkinson's disease, Vorenberg taught criminal law and legal ethics at Harvard until the time of his death.

He suffered a heart attack Monday and was admitted to Massachusetts General Hospital, where he died Wednesday afternoon.

In statements issued Wednesday, University officials remembered Vorenberg's long association with the College and HLS.

"The Law School has lost one of its greatest citizens," said HLS Dean Robert C. Clark.

"Jim Vorenberg will be remembered not only as an outstanding dean and a brilliant lawyer, but as a wonderful human being, someone whose constant devotion to his students and colleagues has left an imprint that will last for generations," said University President Neil L. Rudenstine.

Vorenberg is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, and by three children, two stepchildren and 10 grandchildren.

A service will be held in Vorenberg's honor at Memorial Church at 2 p.m. on May 10.