Past Justices
This article was edited and reviewed by FindLaw Attorney Writers | Last reviewed June 10, 2014
This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw’s team of legal writers and attorneys and in accordance with our editorial standards.
The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area.
John Jay - The First Chief Justice
The first Chief Justice had led a distinguished career long before he ascended to the highest bench of the land. His impressive accomplishments included serving as President of the Continental Congress, Chief Justice of New York, and Secretary of Foreign Affairs.
- Read more on John Jay.
More Firsts
- Louis Brandeis, First Jewish Justice (1916-1939)
- Sandra Day O'Connor, First Woman Justice (1981-2006)
- Sonia Sotomayor, First Hispanic and Latina Justice (2009-present)
- Ketanji Brown Jackson, First Black Female Justice (2022-present)
Modern Trailblazer - Thurgood Marshall
In Brown v. Board of Education, this trailblazer persuaded the Supreme Court to end segregation in public elementary schools. A decade later, he joined the high court as the first African-American justice. During his term, he defended affirmative action programs, arguing that the nation still had not eliminated racial discrimination or its vestiges.
- Learn about Thurgood Marshall
Famous & Infamous Justices
Earl Warren
This former California Governor rose to prominence during one of America's most tumultous periods -- the 50's and 60's. Despite his Republican credentials, this Chief Justice proved to be a "liberal" on controversial issues, such as racial segregation, and many called for his impeachment.
- Read more about Earl Warren
Other Notable Justices
- John Marshall (1801-1835)
- Charles Evans Hughes (1910-1916, 1930-1941)
- William Howard Taft (1921-1930)
Impeached Samuel Chase
A partisan and outspoken Federalist, this Justice actively campaigned for the Alien and Sedition Acts and sought the indictment of Republican editors who opposed the Federalists. For his open bias and other alleged acts of judicial misconduct, this Justice stands as the only justice to be impeached by the House of Representatives.
See more on Samuel Chase
