Charles Evans Hughes

Date of Birth: April 11, 1862

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: August 27, 1948

Biography

Charles Evans Hughes was an influential American statesman, lawyer, and jurist who notably served as the 11th Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court. Born in Glens Falls, New York, Hughes had a distinguished career characterized by his profound legal acumen and commitment to public service. He graduated from Brown University and later from Columbia Law School, quickly establishing himself as a prominent lawyer. Hughes served as the Governor of New York from 1907 to 1910, where he championed progressive reforms. He was appointed Associate Justice of the Supreme Court in 1910 but resigned in 1916 to run as the Republican candidate for President, although he was narrowly defeated by Woodrow Wilson. After his presidential bid, Hughes returned to legal practice and later served as the U.S. Secretary of State from 1921 to 1925 under Presidents Harding and Coolidge. In 1930, President Herbert Hoover appointed him as Chief Justice of the United States, a position he held until 1941. His tenure as Chief Justice was marked by significant rulings during the Great Depression and the implementation of New Deal legislation. Hughes retired in 1941 and lived the remainder of his life in relative quiet, passing away in 1948.

5 Interesting Facts about Charles Evans Hughes

1. Charles Evans Hughes was the only Chief Justice to run for U.S. President and lose.

2. He played a crucial role in the establishment of the Permanent Court of International Justice (World Court).

3. Hughes was an advocate for judicial restraint and often cautioned against overreach by the judiciary.

4. He was instrumental in the decision to uphold the constitutionality of Social Security in the case of Helvering v. Davis (1937).

5. Hughes was posthumously awarded the Roosevelt Medal for his service to international justice.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Charles Evans Hughes

1. “The power to wage war is the power to wage war successfully.”

2. “A dissent in a Court of last resort is an appeal to the brooding spirit of the law, to the intelligence of another day.”

3. “We are under a Constitution, but the Constitution is what the judges say it is.”

4. “When we lose the right to be different, we lose the privilege to be free.”

5. “The Constitution does not prevent the government from offering benefits to its citizens.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Charles Evans Hughes’ highest net worth was modest compared to modern standards, estimated to be around $500,000 at the time of his death, primarily from his legal practice and government service.

Children

Charles Evans Hughes had four children: 1. Charles Evans Hughes Jr. – who served as the United States Solicitor General. 2. Helen Hughes – who was a prominent socialite and philanthropist. 3. Elizabeth Hughes Gossett – who was one of the first people to receive insulin for diabetes and later became a notable advocate for diabetes research. 4. Catherine Hughes – who led a private life away from the public spotlight.