Paul Morantz is an American attorney at law and investigative journalist specializing in the prosecution of individuals and groups which abuse others. His first case was against abusive nursing homes. Other cases were against therapists, religious organizations, and corporations. His successful prosecution of Synanon led to an attempt against his life, by means of a rattlesnake. He is also a freelance writer, who wrote the story for the 1978 television movie Deadman's Curve, based on the lives of surf singers Jan and Dean.