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Joseph Story

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Joseph Story
Image of Joseph Story
Prior offices
Supreme Court of the United States

Education

Bachelor's

Harvard College, 1798

Law

Read law, 1801

Personal
Birthplace
Marblehead, Mass.


Joseph Story was an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. He joined the court in 1811 after a nomination from President James Madison. He served until his death on September 10, 1845. Prior to joining the court, he was a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives.[1]

Story was the youngest justice appointed to the Supreme Court; he was 32 when commissioned to the court in 1811.[2]

Story was one of two justices nominated to the Supreme Court by President Madison. He served during The Marshall Court and The Taney Court.[3]

Historical SCOTUS Graphic small.png

Education

Story attended Harvard College and received his legal education by reading law.[1]

Professional career

  • 1829-1845: Professor of law, Harvard University
  • 1801-1811: Attorney in private practice, Salem, Massachusetts
  • 1811: Speaker, Massachusetts House of Representatives
  • 1808-1809: United States Representative from Massachusetts
  • 1805-1807: Member, Massachusetts House of Representatives[1]

Judicial nominations and appointments

Supreme Court of the United States

Story was nominated by President James Madison on November 15, 1811. He was confirmed by the Senate on November 18, 1811, and received commission that same day. He served until his death on September 10, 1845.[1]

Noteworthy cases

Details
Author: Joseph Story

Vote Count: 6-0

Majority Justices: Bushrod Washington, William Johnson, Jr., H. Brockholst Livingston, Thomas Todd, Gabriel Duvall

Supreme Court's supremacy over state courts (1816)

When Lord Fairfax died in England in 1781, he left his property in the State of Virginia to his nephew, Denny Martin of England. In 1782, the Virginia legislature transferred the land back to Virginia, who then gave part of the property to David Hunter. On March 20, 1816, the Court ruled that the State of Virginia and the federal government were not equal. The decision highlighted the Supremacy Clause by affirming the Supreme Court’s power to override the state court. According to the 6-0 ruling, the land did, in fact, belong to Lord Fairfax, and could not be taken back by Virginia.[4]

See also

External links

Footnotes

Political offices
Preceded by:
William Cushing
Supreme Court
1811–1845
Seat #3
Succeeded by:
Levi Woodbury