John Marshall

Date of Birth: September 24, 1755

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: July 6, 1835

Biography

John Marshall, born on September 24, 1755, in Germantown, Virginia, was an American statesman and jurist who served as the fourth Chief Justice of the United States from 1801 to 1835. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the shaping of the American legal system. Before his appointment to the Supreme Court, Marshall had a distinguished career as a lawyer and politician, serving as a member of the House of Representatives and as Secretary of State under President John Adams. Marshall’s tenure as Chief Justice was marked by landmark decisions that established the principles of judicial review and the supremacy of federal law over state law. His ruling in Marbury v. Madison (1803) is perhaps his most famous, setting the precedent for the Supreme Court’s ability to strike down laws that violate the Constitution. Marshall also played a significant role in cases such as McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) and Gibbons v. Ogden (1824), which helped define the balance of power between the federal government and the states. His legal philosophy and interpretations of the Constitution helped to strengthen the federal government and lay the foundation for American constitutional law.

5 Interesting Facts about John Marshall

1. John Marshall served as the longest-tenured Chief Justice in U.S. history, holding the position for 34 years.

2. He fought in the American Revolutionary War, serving in various capacities and rising to the rank of captain.

3. Marshall had no formal legal education; he studied law on his own and was admitted to the bar in 1780.

4. He was a cousin of Thomas Jefferson, though they often found themselves on opposite sides of political issues.

5. Marshall was known for his ability to bring justices together, often achieving unanimous decisions in cases that could have been contentious.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from John Marshall

1. “The power to tax involves the power to destroy.”

2. “It is emphatically the province and duty of the judicial department to say what the law is.”

3. “Between a balanced republic and a democracy, the difference is like that between order and chaos.”

4. “The people made the Constitution, and the people can unmake it. It is the creature of their will, and lives only by their will.”

5. “A constitution, intended to endure for ages to come, and consequently, to be adapted to the various crises of human affairs.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

John Marshall’s highest net worth is not precisely documented, but as a prominent figure in law and politics, he would have been considered well-off for his time.

Children

John Marshall had 10 children with his wife, Mary Willis Ambler Marshall. Their names were: 1. Thomas Marshall 2. Mary Marshall Harvie 3. James Marshall 4. John Marshall Jr. 5. Henrietta Marshall 6. Edward Carrington Marshall 7. Charles Marshall 8. Elizabeth Marshall 9. Jaquelin Ambler Marshall 10. Lewis Marshall