John Marshall
Quick Facts About John Marshall
Marshall is best known for his judicial decisions that often reflected his strong Federalist beliefs. His decision in the cases of Marbury v. Madison (1803) strengthened the power of the federal judiciary by establishing the principle of judicial review. His opinion in McCulloch v Maryland (1819) expanded the power of the federal government by introducing the concept of implied powers when interpreting the U.S. Constitution.
Born September 24, 1755 near Germantown, Virginia
Commissioned as a lieutenant in the Fauquier County militia in 1775
Served as an officer in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War
Spent the winter of 1777-1778 with the troops in Valley Forge
Studied law at the College of William and Mary, under George Wythe
Admitted to the Virginia bar in 1780
Member of the Virginia Assembly from 1782-1791 and again from 1795-1797
Participated in the Virginia convention of 1788 that ratified the U.S. Constitution
Appointed by Preident John Adams on the “;X Y Z”; mission of 1797-1798 to adjust differences with France
Represented Virginia in Congress from 1799-1800
U.S. Secretary of State from June 6, 1800 to February 4, 1801
Commissioned Chief Justice of the United States January 31, 1801, and took office in February 4, 1801
Established the Supreme Court's power of judicial review with decision in case of Marbury v. Madison, in 1803
Affirmed the concept of implied powers of Congress, through the ";necessary and proper"; clause in the U.S. Constitution, in the Supreme Courts's decision in the case of McCulloch v. Maryland in 1819
Served through six presidential administrations and over a thousand decisions as Chief Justice
Died July 6, 1835, Philadelphia, Pennsylvannia
Buried Shockhoe Hill Cemetery in Richmond, Virginia