Who was John Marshall?

John Marshall was the fourth chief justice of the United States Supreme Court, whose tenure lasted from 1801 to 1835. He heard over 1,000 cases including Marbury v. Madison, in which the principle of judicial review was established.

What were some of John Marshall's most important cases?

Some of John Marshall's most important cases include Marbury v. Madison, McCulloch v. Maryland, Cohens v. Virginia, Dartmouth College v. Woodward, and Cherokee Nation v. Georgia. Many of these reinforced the authority of the Supreme Court to interpret the Constitution and review the decisions of state courts and legislatures.

How long did John Marshall serve on the Supreme Court?

John Marshall served as chief justice of the US Supreme Court for 34 years, from 1801 to his death in 1835, the longest tenure of any chief justice in US history.

John Marshall Timeline

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Definition

John Marshall (1755-1835) was an American lawyer and statesman, who served as the fourth chief justice of the United States Supreme Court from 1801 until his death in 1835. Considered one of the most influential chief justices in US history, Marshall participated in over 1,000 decisions, including Marbury v. Madison, which established the principle of judicial review.

More about: John Marshall

Timeline

24 Sep 1755
John Marshall is born on the frontier of Virginia.
1776
John Marshall enlists in the Continental Army as a lieutenant.
1782
John Marshall is elected to the Virginia House of Delegates; works to set up his law practice in Richmond.
3 Jan 1783
Marshall marries Mary 'Polly' Ambler; the couple will ultimately have ten children, six of whom survive to adulthood.
27 Jun 1788
Thanks to the efforts of James Madison and John Marshall, Virginia votes to ratify the US Constitution.
Jul 1797 - Jun 1798
John Marshall is embroiled in the XYZ Affair with France; he returns to the US a celebrity for his refusal to pay a bribe.
Dec 1799
John Marshall is elected to the House of Representatives.
May 1800
John Marshall is appointed secretary of state by President John Adams.
31 Jan 1801
President John Adams appoints John Marshall as chief justice of the US Supreme Court; the appointment is soon confirmed by the Senate.
24 Feb 1803
In the case Marbury v. Madison, the Marshall Court establishes the principle of judicial review, enhancing the Court's role in the federal government.
1 Sep 1807
Chief Justice John Marshall finds Aaron Burr innocent of charges of treason, to the consternation of the Jefferson administration.
1819
The Marshall Court hears the case McCulloch v. Maryland, which further defines the scope of Congress' powers.
1819 - 1822
Marshall's Supreme Court reaches its 'golden age', entering the peak of its influence.
Dec 1831
John Marshall's wife Polly dies after decades of health issues.
2 Mar 1832
In the case Worcester v. Georgia, the Marshall Court rules that states cannot regulate Native American land.
6 Jul 1835
Chief Justice John Marshall dies in Philadelphia, at the age of 79.

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