Joseph Story

Joseph Story authored the highly influential *Commentaries on the Constitution of the United States*, published in 1833. He also wrote comprehensive treatises on equity jurisprudence, conflict of laws, and partnership law. His extensive legal writings profoundly shaped early American legal education.

Joseph Story served as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court from 1812 until his death in 1845. He was appointed by President James Madison at the age of 32, making him the youngest person ever appointed to the Court. He served alongside Chief Justice John Marshall during a formative era of constitutional law.

Justice Story wrote the majority opinion in *United States v. The Amistad* in 1841, a famous case involving a slave mutiny. His ruling ordered the liberation of the African captives who had taken control of the Spanish ship. He also notably concurred in the foundational *Marbury v. Madison* decision establishing judicial review.

Joseph Story is buried at Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He died in Cambridge on September 10, 1845, while still actively serving on the Supreme Court. In addition to his judicial duties, he was the inaugural Dane Professor of Law at Harvard Law School.