John Marshall and his influence on the supreme court essays

John Marshall and his influence on the supreme court essays John Marshall had a significant impact on the development of the Supreme Court during his term as Chief Justice. Many of the cases he worked on helped to define the Constitution, and also many laws. They set precedent for the Supreme Court laws and customs still followed today. However his obvious political conflict with Thomas Jefferson and the opinions of his colleagues regarding his court decisions caused him to be severely criticized throughout his judicial career. John Marshall was born to well educated parents in Prince William County, Virginia and was the oldest of fifteen children. In the American Revolution, he served as an officer from 1775-1781. Marshall served in the Virginia House of Delegates on and off from 1782-1790 and also from 1795-1796. President George Washington offered him several political positions, but unfortunately financial problems prevented him from accepting office in any of them. Before his days with the Supreme Court, Marshall served several terms in the state assembly and the executive council. He also helped to ratify the Constitution and was involved in the infamous XYZ Affair. After his work with the XYZ Affair, John Marshall had gained immense popularity and also the sufficient funds to pay off his mortgage debt. He served in political offices until he went to the Supreme Court. Shortly after declining a nomination from President John Adams in 1800 for Secretary of War, Marshall agreed to become Secretary of State. The next year he was chosen by President Adams to become Chief Justice on January 20, 1801. This was undoubtedly the most important presidential act of President John Adams, given the incredible imprint left by Marshall on the American Supreme Court. Ironically, his first act as Chief Justice was administering the presidential oath to Thomas Jefferson, who was his political rival as well as his cousin. However, President Jefferson did experience feelings of relief at the fact ...