Benjamin Robbins Curtis

Date of Birth: November 4, 1809

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: September 15, 1874

Biography

Benjamin Robbins Curtis was a prominent American jurist and Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. Born on November 4, 1809, in Watertown, Massachusetts, Curtis went on to have a distinguished legal career. He graduated from Harvard College in 1829 and later from Harvard Law School. Curtis was appointed to the Supreme Court by President Millard Fillmore in 1851, where he served until his resignation in 1857. He is best known for his dissenting opinion in the infamous Dred Scott v. Sandford case, which had significant implications for the issue of slavery in America. After leaving the Supreme Court, Curtis returned to private practice and represented President Andrew Johnson during his impeachment trial in 1868. He passed away on September 15, 1874.

5 Interesting Facts about Benjamin Robbins Curtis

1. Benjamin Robbins Curtis was one of the few Supreme Court justices to resign from the bench voluntarily.

2. He was the first Supreme Court Justice to have graduated from a law school.

3. Curtis played a crucial role in the impeachment trial of President Andrew Johnson, serving as his chief counsel.

4. His dissent in the Dred Scott v. Sandford case is considered one of the most significant dissents in Supreme Court history.

5. Curtis was also involved in the codification of Massachusetts laws.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Benjamin Robbins Curtis

1. “The Constitution was made for the people, and not the people for the Constitution.”

2. “A dissent is a reminder that the majority opinion is not the only opinion.”

3. “Justice should be as accessible as the air we breathe.”

4. “The judiciary must serve as a bulwark against tyranny.”

5. “In the face of injustice, silence is complicity.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

During his lifetime, Benjamin Robbins Curtis did not amass significant wealth by modern standards. However, his legal career was highly distinguished and respected.

Children

Benjamin Robbins Curtis had several children, although detailed records of their lives are sparse. His family lineage continued to honor his legacy in law and public service.