Merrick Garland

Date of Birth: November 13, 1952

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Biography

Merrick Brian Garland is an esteemed American judge and public servant who has played a significant role in the judicial landscape of the United States. Born on November 13, 1952, in Chicago, Illinois, Garland has had a distinguished career marked by his service on the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit and his appointment as the 86th Attorney General of the United States in March 2021 under President Joe Biden. Garland graduated from Harvard College in 1974 and went on to earn his Juris Doctor degree from Harvard Law School in 1977. After completing his education, he clerked for Judge Henry J. Friendly of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and then for Justice William J. Brennan Jr. of the U.S. Supreme Court. Garland’s early career also included a stint in private practice and roles in the U.S. Department of Justice, where he became known for his involvement in major domestic terrorism cases, including the prosecution of the Oklahoma City bombing perpetrators. Garland was first appointed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit by President Bill Clinton in 1997 and served with distinction, eventually becoming its Chief Judge in 2013. Despite being nominated by President Barack Obama to the U.S. Supreme Court in 2016, his nomination was blocked by Senate Republicans, leaving the seat vacant until the next administration. As Attorney General, Garland has focused on issues such as civil rights, combating domestic terrorism, and restoring the integrity and independence of the Department of Justice.

5 Interesting Facts about Merrick Garland

1. Merrick Garland’s nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court by President Barack Obama in 2016 was historically significant but ultimately unsuccessful due to unprecedented Senate obstruction.

2. Garland played a crucial role in the prosecution of Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols for the Oklahoma City bombing, one of the deadliest acts of domestic terrorism in U.S. history.

3. He has been praised for his meticulous legal mind and bipartisan appeal, qualities that have earned him respect across the political spectrum.

4. Garland served as Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit from 2013 to 2020.

5. In his role as Attorney General, Garland has prioritized tackling hate crimes, addressing police reform, and safeguarding voting rights.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Merrick Garland

1. “The essence of the rule of law is that like cases be treated alike: that there not be one rule for Democrats and another for Republicans; one rule for friends and another for foes.”

2. “Fidelity to the rule of law forms the bedrock of our democracy.”

3. “We do not have one rule for Democrats and another rule for Republicans. We have only one rule: the rule of law.”

4. “We must ensure that the laws of our nation are fairly and faithfully enforced, and that the rights of all Americans are protected.”

5. “The job of the Justice Department is to serve the American people and to ensure their rights and safety.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Merrick Garland’s highest net worth is estimated to be around $20 million.

Children

Merrick Garland has two daughters. His first daughter, Rebecca Garland, graduated from Yale University and Harvard Law School, and his second daughter, Jessica Garland, attended Yale University and works in public service.