Frank Murphy

Date of Birth: April 13, 1890

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: July 19, 1949

Biography

Frank Murphy was a prominent American politician and jurist who served in various high-profile roles throughout his career. Born on April 13, 1890, in Harbor Beach, Michigan, he went on to become an influential figure in American politics and law. Murphy graduated from the University of Michigan Law School in 1914 and soon after began his career in public service. He served as the Mayor of Detroit, the Governor of Michigan, and as the United States Attorney General before being appointed as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1940. Murphy was known for his strong advocacy for civil rights and social justice. As a Supreme Court Justice, he was a vocal opponent of racial discrimination and was instrumental in several landmark decisions. One of his most notable opinions was in the case of Korematsu v. United States, where he famously dissented against the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, calling it “legalization of racism.” Beyond his judicial work, Murphy also left a lasting legacy in the realm of labor rights, contributing significantly to the establishment of fair labor standards and workers’ rights in the United States. He passed away on July 19, 1949, leaving behind a legacy of commitment to justice and equality.

5 Interesting Facts about Frank Murphy

1. Frank Murphy served as the Mayor of Detroit from 1930 to 1933.

2. He was the Governor of Michigan from 1937 to 1939.

3. Murphy was appointed as the United States Attorney General in 1939.

4. He was a vocal critic of racial discrimination and dissented in the Korematsu v. United States case.

5. Murphy played a significant role in the establishment of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Frank Murphy

1. “Civil liberties, as guaranteed by the Constitution, imply the existence of an organized society maintaining public order without which liberty itself would be lost in the excesses of unrestrained abuses.”

2. “The Constitution was not written in the sands to be washed away by each wave of new judges blown in by each successive political wind.”

3. “The legal profession is not a trade; it is a life pursuit.”

4. “Compassion is not weakness, and concern for the unfortunate is not socialism.”

5. “The judicial system is the most important institution in a democracy.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Frank Murphy’s net worth at the peak of his career is not well-documented, but as a public servant and judge, his financial status was modest compared to private sector counterparts.