John Marshall

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Birthplace Monument 2

Coat of Arms of John Marshall

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John Marshall House (Richmond, Virginia)

Marshall Chief Justice Nomination

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Chief Justice John Marshall

John Marshall (September 24, 1755 – July 6, 1835) was an influential American jurist and politician who served as the fourth Chief Justice of the United States from 1801 until his death in 1835. Marshall remains one of the most significant figures in the development of United States constitutional law, largely responsible for establishing the Supreme Court's role in federal government.

Early Life

John Marshall was born in a log cabin in Fauquier County, Virginia, near Germantown, in what is today Midland, Virginia. He was the eldest of fifteen children of Thomas Marshall and Mary Isham Keith. His father was a land surveyor and a justice of the peace in Fauquier County, which instilled in young Marshall a deep appreciation for the rule of law and the importance of a stable government.

Education

Marshall's early education was primarily provided by his father, who had an extensive library. At the age of 18, he began attending a series of lectures on law at the College of William & Mary, taught by George Wythe, who would later sign the United States Declaration of Independence. Despite his brief formal education, Marshall quickly gained a reputation for his sharp legal mind.

Military Service

During the American Revolutionary War, Marshall served in the Continental Army, achieving the rank of captain. He participated in several significant battles, including the Battle of Brandywine and the harsh winter at Valley Forge. His military service deeply influenced his views on the need for a strong national government, a theme that would later dominate his judicial philosophy.

Legal and Political Career

After the war, Marshall established a successful legal practice in Richmond, Virginia. He became known for his expertise in property law and his eloquent oratory. Marshall's political career began in earnest when he was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 1782. He was a strong advocate for the ratification of the United States Constitution, arguing that a stronger central government was necessary for the nation's survival.

Chief Justice of the United States

In 1801, President John Adams nominated Marshall to the position of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. His tenure on the Court was marked by a series of landmark decisions that established the principles of American constitutional law. Among his most notable opinions were those in Marbury v. Madison (1803), which established the principle of judicial review; McCulloch v. Maryland (1819), which affirmed the supremacy of federal over state law; and Gibbons v. Ogden (1824), which laid the foundation for the federal regulation of commerce.

Legacy

John Marshall's impact on American law and government is profound. His decisions helped lay the foundation for the United States as a nation of laws and a beacon of judicial independence. He is remembered as a key figure in making the Supreme Court a coequal branch of government, alongside the executive and legislative branches.

Death and Memorials

Marshall died on July 6, 1835, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was buried at the Shockoe Hill Cemetery in Richmond, Virginia. His legacy is commemorated by numerous institutions and landmarks, including the John Marshall Law School in Chicago, Illinois, and a statue in his honor at the United States Supreme Court building.

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