One of the most influential of the second President John Adams' appointments was naming John Marshall as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Marshall held that position until his death and shaped the court's decisions and dramatically raised its stature. He also defined the basic relationship of the judiciary to the rest of the federal government. His forceful actions as Chief Justice set the Supreme Court on a course it has continued to follow for the next two centuries. Marshall was guided by a strong commitment to judicial power and by a belief in the supremacy of national over state legislatures. His judicial vision was very much in keeping with the Federalist political program.

This podcast is the second in a series titled Supreme Court Classics. This series will take a look at just a few of the notable justices who served on the High Court and how their influence is still felt today.

A very special thanks to Superior Court Judge Brian Gain and Maria Diga.

Web Link:
Biography of John Marshall from wikipedia.org

Posted on 11/07/2011