Learned Hand

Date of Birth: January 27, 1872

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: August 18, 1961

Biography

Billings Learned Hand, commonly referred to as Learned Hand, was an esteemed American judge and judicial philosopher known for his profound influence on American jurisprudence. Born on January 27, 1872, in Albany, New York, Hand became one of the most respected figures in the legal field. He graduated from Harvard College in 1893 and Harvard Law School in 1896. Hand began his legal career in private practice before being appointed to the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York in 1909 by President William Howard Taft. In 1924, he was elevated to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, where he served until his death in 1961. During his tenure, Hand became known for his articulate and thoughtful opinions, which often addressed complex issues of constitutional law and civil liberties. His judicial philosophy emphasized the role of the judiciary as a check on majoritarian impulses and the importance of judicial restraint. Hand’s contributions extended beyond the bench; he was a prolific writer and speaker, and his works are still cited in legal arguments and scholarly works today. He never ascended to the Supreme Court, but he remains one of the most cited lower court judges in American history.

5 Interesting Facts about Learned Hand

1. Hand is renowned for his decision in “United States v. Carroll Towing Co.,” where he formulated the “Hand Formula” for determining negligence.

2. He delivered a famous speech at the “I Am an American Day” ceremony in 1944, emphasizing the importance of liberty and individual rights.

3. Hand never served on the Supreme Court, despite being widely regarded as one of the greatest judges in U.S. history.

4. He was a cousin of another influential judge, Augustus Noble Hand, and they served together on the Second Circuit.

5. Learned Hand was known for his extensive and eloquent written opinions, which have had a lasting impact on American law.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Learned Hand

1. “Liberty lies in the hearts of men and women; when it dies there, no constitution, no law, no court can save it.”

2. “The spirit of liberty is the spirit which is not too sure that it is right.”

3. “The hand that rules the press, the radio, the screen and the far-spread magazine, rules the country.”

4. “A wise man is always a man who questions his own wisdom.”

5. “I often wonder whether we do not rest our hopes too much upon constitutions, upon laws and upon courts.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Learned Hand’s net worth was not publicly disclosed, but as a federal judge, his earnings were consistent with the salaries of federal judges of his time.

Children

Learned Hand had three daughters: Mary Deshon Hand, Elizabeth Hand, and Constance Hand. His children largely stayed out of the public eye, and there is limited information available about their personal lives and careers.