Past United States Supreme Court Justices

Past Justices

Primary Justice
The first Chief Justice had led a distinguished career long before he ascended to the highest bench of the land. His impressive accomplishments included serving as President of the Continental Congress, Chief Justice of New York, and Secretary of Foreign Affairs.

Read more on John Jay.

More Firsts
Roger Taney, First Roman Catholic Justice (1836-1864).
Louis Brandeis, First Jewish Justice (1916-1939).
Sandra Day O'Connor, First Woman Justice (1981-present).

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Modern Trailblazer
In Brown v. Board of Education, this trailblazer persuaded the Supreme Court to end segregation in public elementary schools. A decade later, he joined the high court as the first African American justice. During his term, he defended affirmative action programs, arguing that the nation still had not eliminated racial discrimination or its vestiges.

Learn about Thurgood Marshall.

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Famous & Infamous Justices

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Impeach Earl Warren
This former California Governor rose to prominence during one of America's most tumultous periods -- the 50's and 60's. Despite his Republican credentials, this Chief Justice proved to be a "liberal" on controversial issues, such as racial segregation, that many called for his impeachment.

Read more about Earl Warren.

Other Notable Justices
John Marshall (1801-1835).
Charles Evans Hughes (1910-1916, 1930-1941).
William Howard Taft (1921-1930).

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Impeached Samuel Chase
A partisan and outspoken Federalist, this Justice actively campaigned for the Alien and Sedition Acts and sought the indictment of Republican editors who opposed the Federalists. For his open bias and other alleged acts of judicial misconduct, this Justice stands as the only justice to be impeached by the House of Representatives.

See more on Samuel Chase

Other Less Notable Justices
Abe Fortas