John Marshall

Definition

John Marshall (1755-1835) was an American lawyer and statesman, who served as the fourth chief justice of the United States Supreme Court from 1801 until his death in 1835. Considered one of the most influential chief justices in US history, Marshall participated in over 1,000 decisions, including Marbury v. Madison, which established the principle of judicial review.

More about: John Marshall

Timeline

  • 24 Sep 1755
    John Marshall is born on the frontier of Virginia.
  • 1776
    John Marshall enlists in the Continental Army as a lieutenant.
  • 1782
    John Marshall is elected to the Virginia House of Delegates; works to set up his law practice in Richmond.
  • 3 Jan 1783
    Marshall marries Mary 'Polly' Ambler; the couple will ultimately have ten children, six of whom survive to adulthood.
  • 27 Jun 1788
    Thanks to the efforts of James Madison and John Marshall, Virginia votes to ratify the US Constitution.
  • Jul 1797 - Jun 1798
    John Marshall is embroiled in the XYZ Affair with France; he returns to the US a celebrity for his refusal to pay a bribe.
  • Dec 1799
    John Marshall is elected to the House of Representatives.
  • May 1800
    John Marshall is appointed secretary of state by President John Adams.
  • 31 Jan 1801
    President John Adams appoints John Marshall as chief justice of the US Supreme Court; the appointment is soon confirmed by the Senate.
  • 24 Feb 1803
    In the case Marbury v. Madison, the Marshall Court establishes the principle of judicial review, enhancing the Court's role in the federal government.
  • 1 Sep 1807
    Chief Justice John Marshall finds Aaron Burr innocent of charges of treason, to the consternation of the Jefferson administration.
  • 1819
    The Marshall Court hears the case McCulloch v. Maryland, which further defines the scope of Congress' powers.
  • 1819 - 1822
    Marshall's Supreme Court reaches its 'golden age', entering the peak of its influence.
  • Dec 1831
    John Marshall's wife Polly dies after decades of health issues.
  • 2 Mar 1832
    In the case Worcester v. Georgia, the Marshall Court rules that states cannot regulate Native American land.
  • 6 Jul 1835
    Chief Justice John Marshall dies in Philadelphia, at the age of 79.
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