description John Marshall Harlan I Overview
John Marshall Harlan I served as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court from 1877 to 1911. He is notable for his unwavering opposition to racial discrimination within the court. Harlan’s powerful dissent in *Plessy v. Ferguson* argued against the constitutionality of segregation, establishing him as a “Great Dissenter.” His views remain significant for legal scholars and those studying American constitutional history and civil rights.
help John Marshall Harlan I FAQ
What is Justice John Marshall Harlan I famous for?
Justice John Marshall Harlan I is most famous for being the lone dissenter in the 1896 Plessy v. Ferguson Supreme Court decision. He powerfully argued against racial segregation and the "separate but equal" doctrine, earning him the nickname "The Great Dissenter."
When did John Marshall Harlan serve on the Supreme Court?
He served as an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court for 34 years, from 1877 until his death in 1911. He was appointed to the court by President Rutherford B. Hayes.
Was John Marshall Harlan related to another Supreme Court Justice?
Yes, his grandson, John Marshall Harlan II, also served as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court from 1955 to 1971. Unlike his grandfather, the younger Harlan was appointed during the Warren Court era and generally took a more moderate-to-conservative stance.
Did John Marshall Harlan support civil rights?
Yes, Harlan was a staunch defender of civil rights and the Reconstruction Amendments following the Civil War. His legal philosophy viewed the Constitution as colorblind, firmly opposing state laws that denied Black citizens equal protection under the law.
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