Justice John Marshall Harlan

Justice John Marshall Harlan was a prominent figure in the United States judiciary, serving as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1877 to 1911. He is best known for his dissenting opinion in Plessy v. Ferguson, which argued that segregation was unconstitutional and that the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution should be applied to all citizens, including African Americans. Harlan's opinions were often influenced by his experiences as a Kentucky lawyer and politician, where he interacted with notable figures such as Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant. His legacy has been recognized by institutions such as Harvard University and the American Bar Association.

● Early Life and Education

John Marshall Harlan was born in Boyle County, Kentucky, to a family of planters and lawyers, including his father, James Harlan. He attended Centre College in Danville, Kentucky, and later Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky, where he studied law under the guidance of George Robertson. Harlan's early life was shaped by his interactions with prominent Kentucky figures, including Henry Clay and John Crittenden. He was also influenced by the Mexican-American War and the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which sparked debates about slavery and states' rights.

● Career

Before joining the Supreme Court of the United States, Harlan practiced law in Frankfort, Kentucky, and later in Louisville, Kentucky, where he became involved in politics and served in the Kentucky House of Representatives. He was a strong supporter of the Union during the American Civil War and worked closely with President Abraham Lincoln and General Ulysses S. Grant. Harlan's experiences during the war, including the Battle of Perryville and the Siege of Vicksburg, shaped his views on reconstruction and civil rights. He was also influenced by the Freedmen's Bureau and the Reconstruction Amendments, including the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution and the Fifteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution.

● Supreme Court

Justice Harlan was appointed to the Supreme Court of the United States by President Rutherford B. Hayes in 1877, following the retirement of Justice David Davis. During his tenure, he served alongside notable justices such as Joseph P. Bradley and Stephen J. Field. Harlan's opinions were often at odds with those of his colleagues, including Justice Melville Fuller and Justice Edward Douglass White. He was a strong advocate for the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution and the Equal Protection Clause, which he believed should be applied to all citizens, including African Americans and women's suffrage advocates like Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony.

● Notable Opinions

One of Harlan's most notable opinions was his dissent in Plessy v. Ferguson, which argued that segregation was unconstitutional and that the Equal Protection Clause should be applied to all citizens. He also wrote notable opinions in cases such as Civil Rights Cases and United States v. Harris, which dealt with issues of civil rights and voting rights. Harlan's opinions were often influenced by his interactions with prominent figures such as Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois, who advocated for African American rights and social justice. He was also influenced by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the American Civil Liberties Union.

● Personal Life and Legacy

Harlan was married to Malvina French Harlan, and they had six children together. He was a member of the Episcopal Church and was known for his strong Christian faith. Harlan's legacy has been recognized by institutions such as Yale University and the University of Michigan, which have established scholarships and fellowships in his name. He is also remembered for his contributions to the American Bar Association and the Federal Judicial Center. Harlan's opinions have been cited by notable justices such as Thurgood Marshall and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who have continued to advocate for civil rights and social justice.

● Later Life and Death

Harlan died on October 14, 1911, in Washington, D.C., after serving on the Supreme Court of the United States for over 33 years. He was buried in Rock Creek Cemetery in Washington, D.C., alongside other notable figures such as William Howard Taft and Woodrow Wilson. Harlan's legacy continues to be felt today, with his opinions remaining relevant in cases dealing with civil rights and social justice. His contributions to the Supreme Court of the United States have been recognized by institutions such as the Library of Congress and the National Archives and Records Administration. Category:Supreme Court Justices