Monday, January 28, 2013

January 28: First Jewish Nomination to Supreme Court

On this date in History ..... 1916:

Woodrow Wilson nominates the first Jewish person to the Supreme Court. 
 
Louis Brandeis, born in Louisville, KY, to Jewish immigrant parents, was a Harvard graduate at the age of 20 with the highest grade average in the college’s history.
 
As a lawyer, he fought against large corporations, monopolies and corruption. When he was financially secure, be began taking cases for no pay, earning the name “A Robin Hood of the law”. He set a precedent in evidence presentation when he used expert testimony from those in other professions to support his case(s). 
 
His court nomination was bitterly contested as many thought he was brilliant but as a crusader for social justice, he was considered dangerous. But he was considered even more dangerous than the norm because he was (1) incorruptible and (2) Jewish.  
 
He was confirmed and became one of the most influential justices to serve on the court.

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