Justice James Wayne's Passing Leaves a Void on the Supreme Court. On July 5, 1867, the United States Supreme Court suffered a significant loss with the passing of Justice James Wayne. A stalwart figure in the nation's highest court, Justice Wayne served for nearly 20 years, playing a crucial role in shaping the country's judicial landscape. A key advocate for states' rights, he often found himself at odds with his more liberal colleagues, yet his dedication to the rule of law remained unwavering. With his death, the court was left to navigate the complexities of Reconstruction-era jurisprudence, setting the stage for a new era of American law.
7/5/1867: Justice James Wayne dies. The post Today in Supreme Court History: July 5, 1867 appeared first on Reason.com.