description James Wilson Overview
James Wilson (1742–1798) was a Scottish-born American lawyer and one of the six original justices of the United States Supreme Court, nominated by President George Washington in 1789. He represented Pennsylvania at the Constitutional Convention of 1787, where he advocated for a strong national government and direct popular election of the executive. Wilson was also a leading legal scholar, delivering influential lectures on law at what is now the University of Pennsylvania.
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What did James Wilson contribute to the United States Constitution?
Wilson was a Pennsylvania delegate to the 1787 Constitutional Convention and argued for popular sovereignty and a strong national government. He also served on the Committee of Detail, which prepared an important draft of the Constitution.
Was James Wilson both a signer of the Declaration and the Constitution?
Yes. Wilson signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and the United States Constitution in 1787, making him one of only six people to sign both documents.
How did James Wilson become a Supreme Court justice?
President George Washington nominated Wilson to the newly created Supreme Court in 1789. He served as one of the Court's six original justices until his death in 1798.
Why did James Wilson spend his final years in financial trouble?
Wilson invested heavily in western land and accumulated substantial debts when speculation collapsed. While still a Supreme Court justice, he avoided some creditors and was briefly jailed for debt.
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