Famous American Judges

Ruth Bader Ginsburg was an American lawyer and jurist who served as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1993 until her death in 2020. Nominated by President Bill Clinton, she was known for her moderate consensus-building approach early in her tenure. Ginsburg was the first Jewish woman on the Court and authored significant majority opinions. Throughout her career, she advocated for gender equality and women's rights, becoming a prominent figure in the legal community for her passionate dissents and advocacy work.

Jeanine Pirro is a prominent American television host, author, and former judge, prosecutor, and politician in New York. She made history as the first woman elected as a judge of the Westchester County Court and later as the Westchester County district attorney. Known for her work on cases involving domestic abuse and crimes against the elderly, Pirro sought political office, running for the U.S. Senate and later for New York Attorney General. She has hosted television shows on The CW and Fox News Channel, authored several books, and faced legal challenges related to false statements about voting machines.

Thurgood Marshall was an American civil rights lawyer and jurist who served as the first African-American justice on the Supreme Court of the United States. Prior to his judicial service, he was a prominent attorney fighting for civil rights, leading the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. Marshall was instrumental in ending racial segregation in public schools, winning numerous civil rights cases before the Supreme Court. His pragmatic jurisprudence and staunch liberal views led to significant contributions in constitutional law and civil rights protections.

Sonia Sotomayor is an American lawyer and jurist, serving as an associate justice of the Supreme Court since 2009. She graduated from Princeton University and Yale Law School before working as an assistant district attorney in New York. She was nominated to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York in 1991 and later to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. Sotomayor is known for her support of criminal justice reform and her impassioned dissents on issues of race and ethnic identity.

Marilyn Milian, known as Judge Milian, is an American television personality, lecturer, and retired Florida Circuit Court judge. She gained prominence as the arbitrator on the courtroom television series The People's Court for 22 seasons. Following this success, she starred in another arbitration-based reality court show, Justice for the People with Judge Milian. Milian holds the distinction of being the first Hispanic arbitrator on a court show and became the longest-serving judge on The People's Court during the 2012-2013 season.

Sandra Day O'Connor was an American attorney, politician, and jurist who served as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1981 to 2006. Nominated by President Ronald Reagan, she was the first woman to serve on the Supreme Court. O'Connor was known for being a moderate conservative and a swing vote, often providing pivotal opinions in landmark cases. Her retirement in 2005 marked the end of an influential tenure during which she was considered one of the most powerful women in the world.

Antonin Scalia was an influential American jurist known for his conservative jurisprudence and advocacy for textualism and originalism in legal interpretation. He served as an associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court from 1986 until his death in 2016. Scalia held various legal positions, including as a law professor, Assistant Attorney General, and judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. A staunch defender of executive powers, Scalia authored notable opinions on key legal issues, shaping his legacy as a leading conservative voice on the Court.

Samuel Alito Jr. is an American jurist serving as an associate justice of the Supreme Court since 2006. Nominated by President George W. Bush, he is the second Italian American on the Court. Educated at Princeton University and Yale Law School, Alito has held various legal positions, including assistant attorney general and U.S. Attorney. A self-identified "practical originalist," he is known for his conservative views. Alito has authored significant majority opinions in key cases such as McDonald, Hobby Lobby, Janus, and Dobbs.

Neil McGill Gorsuch is an American jurist serving as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. He was nominated by President Donald Trump in 2017. Gorsuch has a background in private practice and served in the Department of Justice before his appointment to the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals. Known for his textualist and originalist approach to legal interpretation, he has written key opinions on LGBT rights, Native American law, religious observance, and jury verdicts during his time on the Supreme Court.

William O. Douglas was a prominent American jurist who served as an associate justice of the Supreme Court from 1939 to 1975. Known for his progressive and civil libertarian views, he was the Court's most liberal justice. Douglas made significant contributions to constitutional law through landmark cases such as Griswold v. Connecticut and Brown v. Board of Education. He also advocated for environmentalism and opposed the Vietnam War. Serving for a record 36 years, Douglas left a lasting impact on the Supreme Court and American legal history.

Lynn Toler is a renowned American lawyer, judge, television arbitrator, and presenter. She gained fame as the former arbitrator on the long-running courtroom TV series, Divorce Court, where she served for 14 seasons. Toler is also recognized for her current role as a co-host and marriage mentor on Marriage Boot Camp, particularly on Marriage Boot Camp: Reality Stars - Hip Hop Edition. With her impressive career spanning various television shows, Toler continues to captivate audiences with her expertise and guidance in the realm of relationships.

Jerry Sheindlin is a multifaceted professional known for his roles as an author, television personality, jurist, and attorney. With extensive experience as a trial judge in the New York Supreme Court, he has honed his legal expertise and courtroom skills over the years. Sheindlin's career highlights include presiding over numerous cases and making important judicial decisions. His contributions to the legal field and media industry have solidified his reputation as a respected figure in both realms.

Elena Kagan is an accomplished American lawyer and Supreme Court Justice, appointed in 2010 by President Barack Obama. With a strong academic background from prestigious institutions like Princeton, Oxford, and Harvard Law School, she started her career as a professor and later served in various legal roles under Presidents Clinton and Obama. Kagan made history as the first female solicitor general of the United States and has been known for her consensus-building approach in landmark cases, despite facing challenges from the conservative supermajority.

Anthony Kennedy was an American attorney and jurist who served as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1988 until his retirement in 2018. Nominated by President Ronald Reagan in 1987, he was known as the swing vote on many key decisions of the Roberts Court. Prior to his Supreme Court appointment, Kennedy served as a U.S. federal judge on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. During his tenure, he authored significant majority opinions in cases involving gay rights, campaign finance, and abortion rights.

Stephen Breyer is an American lawyer and jurist who served as an associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court from 1994 until his retirement in 2022. Nominated by President Bill Clinton, he replaced retiring justice Harry Blackmun and was associated with the liberal wing of the Court. Breyer is a distinguished legal scholar, having held prominent positions such as a law professor at Harvard Law School and a federal judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. He authored influential opinions and dissents in landmark Supreme Court cases.

Joseph Wapner was an American judge and television personality best known for his role as the presiding judge on the reality court show The People's Court. He served as the sole judge during the show's initial run from 1981 to 1993, overseeing 2,484 episodes. Wapner's tenure on the program established him as a pioneer in arbitration-based reality court shows, setting the stage for their widespread popularity in the judicial genre that continues to this day.

Louis Brandeis was a prominent American lawyer and Associate Justice on the Supreme Court from 1916 to 1939. Known for developing the "right to privacy" concept, he was a key figure in the antitrust movement and advocated against monopolies and public corruption. Referred to as the "People's Lawyer," he took on pro bono cases to address wider societal issues. Brandeis's nomination to the Supreme Court was controversial, but his opinions were praised for defending freedom of speech and privacy rights, despite criticism for his lack of focus on racial issues.

Lynn "Buck" Compton was a distinguished American jurist, law enforcement officer, and military veteran. He served as a paratrooper in World War II with the renowned "Easy Company" of the 506th Infantry Regiment. Post-war, he had a notable career in law enforcement, working with the Los Angeles Police Department and later the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office. Compton's legal expertise was showcased when he led the prosecution in the trial of Sirhan Sirhan for the Assassination of Robert F. Kennedy. He later became a respected judge on the California Court of Appeal.

Lance Allan Ito is an American retired judge, renowned for presiding over the high-profile O. J. Simpson murder trial in 1995. He served in the Los Angeles County Superior Court and gained national attention for his handling of the case. Throughout his career, Ito demonstrated a commitment to upholding justice and ensuring fair legal proceedings. His decisions and rulings during the trial were closely scrutinized and had a significant impact on public perception of the criminal justice system.

Potter Stewart was an American lawyer and judge who served as an associate justice of the United States Supreme Court from 1958 to 1981. He made significant contributions to criminal justice reform, civil rights, access to the courts, and Fourth Amendment jurisprudence. After graduating from Yale Law School in 1941, he served in World War II and later practiced law. He was appointed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit in 1954 and later nominated to the Supreme Court by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Stewart was known as a centrist swing vote on the Burger Court and wrote influential majority and dissenting opinions in various landmark cases.

James Wilson was a Scottish-born American Founding Father, legal scholar, jurist, and statesman. He served as an associate justice of the United States Supreme Court from 1789 to 1798. Wilson was a key participant in drafting the U.S. Constitution, signing both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. He was a professor of law at the College of Philadelphia, where he taught President Washington and his Cabinet about the new Constitution. Wilson also played a major role in drafting the 1790 Pennsylvania Constitution.

David Hackett Souter is an American lawyer and jurist who served as an associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court from 1990 to 2009. He was appointed by President George H. W. Bush to fill a vacancy. Souter had a diverse legal career, including serving as a prosecutor, attorney general of New Hampshire, and as a judge in various courts. Initially expected to be a conservative justice, Souter shifted towards the ideological center and eventually aligned with the Court's liberal wing before retiring in 2009.

Harry A. Blackmun was an American lawyer and jurist who served as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1970 to 1994. Appointed by President Richard Nixon, he became known as one of the most liberal justices on the Court. Blackmun authored the opinion in Roe v. Wade and was involved in significant cases such as Bates v. State Bar of Arizona and Stanton v. Stanton. He also wrote dissenting opinions in cases like Furman v. Georgia and Bowers v. Hardwick during his tenure.

Kenesaw Mountain Landis was an American jurist who served as a federal judge before becoming the first Commissioner of Baseball. Known for his handling of the Black Sox Scandal, he expelled players involved in game-fixing, restoring public trust in the sport. As a judge, he gained attention for fining Standard Oil, showcasing his determination against big business. Appointed to preside over high-profile trials during and after World War I, Landis later ruled over baseball for a quarter-century, earning praise for cleaning up the game.

Hugo Lafayette Black was an American lawyer, politician, and jurist who served as a U.S. Senator from Alabama and as an associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. A member of the Democratic Party and a New Dealer, Black endorsed Franklin D. Roosevelt in presidential elections. He was known for his reformist views in the Senate and his influential role on the Supreme Court. Black advocated for expanding individual rights, supported the incorporation of the Bill of Rights, and took a somewhat conservative stance on certain issues, such as substantive due process and the right to privacy.

Alan Cedric Page is a retired American professional football player and Minnesota state Supreme Court judge. He gained fame as a defensive tackle in the NFL with the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears. After his football career, Page pursued a legal career, serving as an associate justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court. He was the first defensive player in NFL history to win the MVP Award and is regarded as one of the greatest defensive linemen. Page is a member of both the College Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. In 2018, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Donald Trump.

Salmon P. Chase was an influential American politician and jurist who held key positions in all three branches of the federal government. He served as the 23rd governor of Ohio, represented the state in the U.S. Senate, and was Secretary of the Treasury during Abraham Lincoln's administration. Chase was appointed as the sixth Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court and presided over the impeachment trial of President Andrew Johnson. He also made unsuccessful presidential bids in 1868 and 1872.

Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. was a prominent American jurist known for his influential tenure as a U.S. Supreme Court associate justice from 1902 to 1932. He was noted for his pithy opinions on civil liberties and constitutional democracy, advocating for freedom of speech and supporting state economic regulation. Holmes served in various legal roles, including as a Brevet Colonel in the American Civil War, chief justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, and as a respected legal scholar at Harvard Law School. His jurisprudence and writings significantly impacted American legal thinking in the 20th century.

Abraham Fortas was an American lawyer and jurist who served as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1965 to 1969. He had a distinguished career as a law professor, advisor for the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and worked in various government roles, including at the Department of the Interior. Fortas was known for his representation of significant cases before the Supreme Court, his close ties with President Lyndon B. Johnson, and his contributions to landmark opinions during his time as a justice.

Learned Hand was an esteemed American jurist and lawyer known for his influential work in the legal field. He served as a federal trial judge and appellate judge, showcasing a reputation for craftsmanship and authority. Hand's gift for language was evident in his acclaimed legal writings. He gained fame for his defense of civil liberties during World War II and his contributions to modern statutory interpretation. Hand's legacy includes setting standards in various legal fields and advocating for a balance between judicial restraint and progressive ideals.

Benjamin Cardozo was a prominent American lawyer and jurist who served on the New York Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court of the United States. He made significant contributions to American common law in the 20th century through his influential philosophy and vivid prose style. Cardozo began his legal career after graduating from Columbia Law School and quickly rose through the ranks, eventually becoming Chief Judge of the New York Court of Appeals. His tenure on the U.S. Supreme Court was marked by his membership in the liberal bloc of justices and his authorship of notable majority opinions in key cases.

William J. Brennan Jr. was an American lawyer and jurist who served as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1956 to 1990. He was known for his leadership of the Court's liberal wing and his progressive views on issues such as the death penalty, abortion rights, and gay rights. Brennan authored numerous landmark opinions, including cases that established principles related to legislative districts, libel suits, contraception rights, and sex discrimination. He was considered one of the most influential members of the Supreme Court in the 20th century.

Constance Baker Motley was a trailblazing American jurist and politician known for her significant contributions to the civil rights movement. She became a key strategist, state senator, and Borough President of Manhattan before being appointed as a United States federal judge. Motley's groundbreaking achievements include being the first Black woman to argue at the Supreme Court, winning nine out of ten landmark civil rights cases. She also served as a law clerk to Thurgood Marshall and was the first African-American woman appointed to the federal judiciary.

Oliver Ellsworth was a key figure in the early history of the United States, serving as a framer of the Constitution, a U.S. senator, and the third chief justice of the Supreme Court. He played a crucial role in shaping the federal judiciary system, being the chief author of the Judiciary Act of 1789. Ellsworth's influence extended to diplomatic efforts, as he served as an envoy to France and played a significant role in settling hostilities during the Quasi-War. He is remembered for his contributions to American jurisprudence and his alignment with the Federalist Party.

Harlan Fiske Stone was a prominent American attorney and jurist known for his service on the U.S. Supreme Court. He served as an associate justice before becoming the 12th chief justice of the United States. Stone also held the position of U.S. Attorney General, where he sought to reform the Department of Justice. Throughout his career, he played a key role in shaping legal precedents on issues such as antitrust laws, judicial scrutiny, personal jurisdiction, and the constitutionality of government actions during wartime.

Joseph Force Crater was an American lawyer who held the position of a New York State Supreme Court Justice. He gained prominence for his role in the legal field and was involved in high-profile cases. His career took a mysterious turn when he disappeared amidst a corruption investigation in New York City. Despite efforts to locate him and extensive media coverage, his disappearance remained unsolved. The case eventually went cold, and it was officially closed four decades after his legal death declaration.

John Paul Stevens was an American lawyer and jurist who served as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1975 to 2010. He was known for his long tenure as a Supreme Court justice, during which he wrote on various American legal issues. Despite his conservative background, Stevens was considered liberal on the Court. His professional journey included serving in the Navy during World War II, clerking for a justice, founding a law firm, and being appointed to the Supreme Court by President Gerald Ford. Stevens retired in 2010 during President Obama's administration.

John Marshall Harlan was an American lawyer and politician who served as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1877 until his death in 1911. Known as "The Great Dissenter," Harlan frequently dissented in cases restricting civil liberties. He believed in a strong national government, advocated for the economically disadvantaged, and viewed the Reconstruction Amendments as transformative. His jurisprudence included dissents in significant cases such as Civil Rights Cases, Plessy v. Ferguson, and advocating for incorporation of the Bill of Rights.

William Hedgcock Webster is a distinguished American attorney and jurist. He served as a United States district judge and later as a United States circuit judge. Webster then held prominent positions as the director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the director of Central Intelligence (CIA). Notably, he is the only individual to have occupied both of these crucial roles. In addition, Webster chaired the Homeland Security Advisory Council for a significant period, showcasing his enduring commitment to national security and public service.

David Frum is a prominent Canadian-American political commentator known for his work as a speechwriter for President George W. Bush. He currently holds the position of senior editor at The Atlantic and is a contributor to MSNBC. Frum gained recognition for his book on Bush's presidency, making him the first former administration member to do so. He is credited with coining the term "axis of evil" in Bush's State of the Union address. Frum has also been involved in various organizations focusing on policy and advocacy.

Francis Hopkinson was a multifaceted figure in early American history, known for his contributions as a Founding Father, lawyer, jurist, author, and composer. He played a key role in designing Continental paper money and crafting early versions of flags for the United States and the United States Navy. Hopkinson's professional career included serving in the Second Continental Congress, the Navy Board, and ultimately becoming the first federal judge of the Eastern District Court of Pennsylvania. His legacy is further solidified by his signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

Joseph Franklin Rutherford, also known as Judge Rutherford, was an American legal professional who transitioned into a prominent religious leader as the second president of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society. He began his career in law and served as a court stenographer, trial lawyer, and prosecutor before joining the Bible Student movement. Rutherford played a significant role in the doctrinal development of Jehovah's Witnesses, introducing organizational and doctrinal changes and overseeing substantial growth in membership during his presidency.

John Sirica was a United States district judge for the District of Columbia known for his pivotal role in the Watergate scandal trials. He gained fame for his integrity and courage in demanding the release of crucial evidence that ultimately led to the downfall of President Richard Nixon's administration. Sirica's unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice prevailed made him a respected figure in the legal community. His actions significantly contributed to exposing the truth and holding those involved in the scandal accountable.

John Sherman Cooper was an American politician, jurist, and diplomat who served as a U.S. Senator from Kentucky, also holding ambassadorial roles in India and East Germany. He earned accolades during World War II, including a Bronze Star Medal. Cooper was known for his bipartisan approach in the Senate, working on significant issues such as U.S. military involvement in Vietnam. He played a key role in the Warren Commission investigating President Kennedy's assassination. Cooper's legacy includes efforts to limit presidential authority over military operations and improve international relations.

Thomas Johnson was an American lawyer, politician, and patriot who played a significant role in the country's early history. He served as a delegate to the First Continental Congress in 1774 and was later elected as the first governor of Maryland in 1777. Known for his close friendship with George Washington, he was appointed as an associate justice of the Supreme Court in 1791, although he resigned from the position in 1793 due to health reasons.

Joseph Story was an American lawyer, jurist, and politician who served as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1812 to 1845. He is best known for his influential opinions in landmark cases such as Martin v. Hunter's Lessee and United States v. The Amistad. His Commentaries on the Constitution of the United States, published in 1833, became a cornerstone of early American jurisprudence. Story opposed Jacksonian democracy and played a significant role in shaping American law in a conservative direction that protected property rights.

William Francis Murphy was a prominent American Democrat who served in various high-level political positions. He held roles such as United States Attorney General, Governor of Michigan, Mayor of Detroit, Governor-General of the Philippines, and High Commissioner to the Philippines. A distinguished lawyer and jurist, Murphy graduated from the University of Michigan Law School and later served on the Supreme Court of the United States. He is known for his contributions to landmark cases such as SEC v. W. J. Howey Co. and his dissenting opinion in Korematsu v. United States.

James Clark McReynolds was an American lawyer and judge known for his career in public service. He served as United States Attorney General under President Woodrow Wilson and as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. McReynolds was recognized for his expertise in antitrust cases and his opposition to President Franklin D. Roosevelt's domestic programs. During his 26-year tenure on the Supreme Court, he wrote numerous majority opinions and dissents, notably aligning with conservative justices to challenge New Deal initiatives.

Thomas McKean was a prominent American lawyer and politician who played a significant role in the founding of the United States. As a delegate to the Continental Congress, he signed important documents such as the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation. McKean held various political positions including President of Congress, president of Delaware, chief justice of Pennsylvania, and the second governor of Pennsylvania. He was associated with both the Federalist and Democratic-Republican parties throughout his career, and also served in numerous other public offices during his professional life.

Stephen Johnson Field had a distinguished career as an American jurist, serving as an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court for over 34 years, which was the second longest tenure in the Court's history. Before his tenure on the Supreme Court, Field held the position of Chief Justice of California. He was known for his influential legal opinions and staunch advocacy for individual rights and economic liberty. Field's legacy in the legal field continues to be recognized for his significant contributions to American jurisprudence.

Louis J. Freeh is an American attorney and former judge who served as the fifth Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from September 1993 to June 2001. He graduated from Rutgers University and New York University School of Law. Starting as a special agent in the FBI, he also worked as an Assistant United States Attorney and United States district judge. Freeh was appointed as FBI director by President Bill Clinton. Currently, he is a lawyer and consultant in the private sector.

Cass Sunstein is a prominent American legal scholar specializing in constitutional law, administrative law, environmental law, and behavioral economics. He has authored best-selling books such as The World According to Star Wars and Nudge. Serving as the administrator of the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs during the Obama administration, Sunstein has had a significant impact on regulatory policies. His influential works on regulatory and constitutional law have been widely recognized during his tenure as a professor at the University of Chicago Law School and as the Robert Walmsley University Professor at Harvard Law School.

Michael Chertoff is an American attorney who served as the second United States Secretary of Homeland Security under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. He co-authored the USA PATRIOT Act and previously worked as a United States circuit judge, federal prosecutor, and Assistant U.S. Attorney General. Chertoff succeeded Tom Ridge as Secretary of Homeland Security in 2005. After leaving government, he co-founded the Chertoff Group, a risk-management and security consulting company, and worked at the law firm Covington & Burling. Chertoff is involved in various organizations focusing on freedom and democracy.

Jacqueline Hong-Ngoc Nguyen is an American lawyer and judge, currently serving as a United States circuit judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Prior to this role, she was a United States district judge for the Central District of California and a California superior court judge. With a career spanning different levels of the judicial system, Nguyen has demonstrated a strong commitment to upholding the law and serving justice in various capacities over the years.

Mablean Deloris Ephriam, Esq. is an accomplished American television personality and former Los Angeles prosecuting attorney. She gained recognition as the adjudicator on the courtroom series Divorce Court for seven seasons. Ephriam also showcased her judicial expertise in Tyler Perry's Madea films. In 2014, she made a triumphant return to television with her own courtroom series, Justice with Judge Mablean, which is syndicated on various stations. Ephriam's impactful career has solidified her reputation as a respected legal professional in the entertainment industry.

Lewis F. Powell Jr. was an American lawyer and jurist who served as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1972 to 1987. He had a distinguished legal career, graduating from Washington and Lee University School of Law and Harvard Law School before serving in the US Army Air Forces during World War II. Powell worked at a prominent law firm in Richmond, Virginia, specializing in corporate law and later became a pivotal figure in the American conservative movement through his influential Powell Memorandum.

Louis Stokes was a prominent figure in American politics, known for his contributions as an attorney, civil rights pioneer, and politician. Serving 15 terms in the US House of Representatives, he represented the east side of Cleveland and was the first African American congressman elected in Ohio. He played key roles as chairman of the House Intelligence Committee during the Cold War era, led the Congressional Black Caucus, and made history as the first African American member of the House Appropriations Committee.

John Marshall Harlan II was an American lawyer and jurist who served on the U.S. Supreme Court from 1955 to 1971. He had a distinguished legal career, working in various roles including as Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York and Special Assistant Attorney General of New York. Harlan was appointed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in 1954, and later nominated to the Supreme Court where he became known for his conservative views and adherence to precedent.

Guido Calabresi is an influential Italian-born American jurist known for his roles as a senior circuit judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and former Dean of Yale Law School. He has been a professor at Yale Law School since 1959 and is recognized as a key figure in the development of the field of law and economics. Calabresi is often mentioned alongside Ronald Coase and Richard Posner as a founder of this interdisciplinary approach to legal studies.

Samuel Chase was a Founding Father of the United States, signer of the Declaration of Independence, and Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court. He established a successful legal practice in Annapolis, Maryland, and served in various legal and political positions, including the Continental Congress and the Maryland General Assembly. Appointed to the Supreme Court by President George Washington, Chase faced impeachment in 1804 due to allegations of political bias in his court decisions. Despite the impeachment, Chase was acquitted and continued to serve on the Supreme Court until his death in 1811.

William Hull was an American military officer and politician who fought in the American Revolutionary War. He served as governor of the Michigan Territory from 1805 to 1813, obtaining large land cessions from Native American peoples under the 1807 Treaty of Detroit. Hull is best known for surrendering Fort Detroit to the British during the War of 1812, leading to a court-martial, conviction, and initial death sentence. However, he was later pardoned by President James Madison, which somewhat restored his reputation.

William H. Crawford was an American politician and judge who served as US Secretary of War and US Secretary of the Treasury. He began his political career in Georgia, where he became a popular figure. Crawford aligned with the Democratic-Republican Party and served in various roles, including US Senator and minister to France during the War of 1812. Despite health concerns, he ran for US president in 1824 but was not successful. Crawford later declined an offer to remain as Treasury Secretary and returned to Georgia to serve on the state superior court.

Bushrod Washington was an American attorney and politician who served as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1798 to 1829. He was known for his close alliance with Chief Justice John Marshall during his tenure on the Court. Washington was also a co-founder and president of the American Colonization Society, advocating for the emigration of freed slaves to Africa. Additionally, he inherited George Washington's papers and Mount Vernon, eventually publishing a biography of the first president with Marshall's assistance.

Douglas H. Ginsburg is a prominent American lawyer and jurist currently serving as a senior U.S. circuit judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. He previously held the position of chief judge on the D.C. Circuit and was nominated for a seat on the United States Supreme Court in 1987. Ginsburg is also a respected professor of law at George Mason University's Antonin Scalia Law School, specializing in U.S. antitrust law and constitutional law.

Owen Josephus Roberts was an influential Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court from 1930 to 1945. He played a crucial role in upholding the constitutionality of key New Deal legislation, notably the state minimum wage law. Roberts was known as a swing vote on the Hughes Court, often deciding the outcome of significant cases. He also led investigations into the Pearl Harbor attack and works of cultural value during World War II. Roberts retired in 1945 and later served as the Dean of the University of Pennsylvania Law School.

Charles E. Whittaker had a distinguished legal career, starting in private practice in Kansas City before being appointed to the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri. He later served on the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit and eventually on the United States Supreme Court. Known as a swing vote during his time on the Court, he resigned in 1962 due to a nervous breakdown. Post-Supreme Court, he worked as chief counsel for General Motors and was critical of the Civil Rights Movement and the Warren Court.

Pierce Butler was an American jurist known for his service as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1923 until his death in 1939. Notable for being the first justice from Minnesota, he was a Democrat appointed by a Republican president. A staunch conservative, Butler was part of the Four Horsemen, the conservative bloc on the Court in the 1930s. Despite being a devout Catholic, he was the sole dissenter in the case Buck v. Bell, without writing an opinion.

Henry Billings Brown was an American jurist known for serving as an associate justice on the Supreme Court of the United States from 1891 to 1906. Prior to his time on the high court, Brown had established himself as a respected lawyer and U.S. District Judge. While his professional career was distinguished, Brown's legacy is marred by his majority opinion in Plessy v. Ferguson, a decision widely criticized for upholding racial segregation in public transportation and erasing legislative achievements of the Reconstruction Era.

Frank Caprio is an esteemed American judge and politician renowned for his role as the chief judge of the municipal court of Providence, Rhode Island. He also served as the chairman of the Rhode Island Board of Governors for Higher Education, showcasing his dedication to the legal and educational systems. Caprio gained widespread recognition through his televised judicial work on the popular program Caught in Providence, where he adjudicates cases with fairness and compassion. His courtroom videos have garnered millions of views, solidifying his reputation as a respected figure in the legal realm.

Melville Fuller was an American politician, attorney, and jurist who served as the eighth chief justice of the United States from 1888 until his death in 1910. He was known for his staunch conservatism and his focus on states' rights, limited federal power, and economic liberty. Fuller wrote major opinions on federal income tax, the Commerce Clause, and citizenship law, and participated in significant decisions on racial segregation and the liberty of contract. However, many of his rulings were later criticized or overruled.

Mahlon R. Pitney IV was an accomplished American lawyer, jurist, and politician. He served two terms in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1895 to 1899 before going on to become an associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court from 1912 to 1922. Throughout his professional life, Pitney was known for his keen legal mind, dedication to public service, and commitment to upholding the principles of justice and fairness. His contributions to the legal field and American government left a lasting impact on the country's legal system.

Diane Joyce Humetewa is a distinguished legal professional who has broken significant barriers in the U.S. judiciary. She is the first Native American woman and enrolled tribal member to serve as a U.S. federal judge in the District of Arizona. With a background as a United States Attorney and experience in various advisory and judicial roles, Humetewa has made substantial contributions to the legal field. Currently, she also imparts her knowledge as a Professor of Practice at Arizona State University's Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law.

John McLean was an American jurist and politician who served in the United States Congress, as U.S. Postmaster General, and as a justice of the Ohio and U.S. Supreme Courts. He founded a newspaper, established a law practice, and served in the U.S. House of Representatives before being appointed as Postmaster General. McLean later became an associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, known for his opposition to slavery. He was mentioned as a presidential candidate for various parties and served on the court until his death in 1861.

Jane Matilda Bolin was a trailblazing American attorney and judge known for breaking barriers throughout her career. She made history as the first black woman to graduate from Yale Law School, join the New York City Bar Association, and serve in the New York City Law Department. Bolin further solidified her legacy by becoming the first black woman to serve as a judge in the United States when she was sworn into the bench of the New York City Domestic Relations Court in 1939.

Rose Elizabeth Bird was a trailblazing figure in the legal field, breaking numerous barriers throughout her career. She made history as the first female law clerk of the Nevada Supreme Court, the first female deputy public defender in Santa Clara County, and the first woman to serve in the California State Cabinet. Bird's most prominent role was as the 25th Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court, where she became the first female Chief Justice in the state's history. Despite her groundbreaking achievements, Bird also faced the unique distinction of being the only Chief Justice in California to lose a retention election.