On September 5, 1922, former U.S. Senator George Sutherland was sworn in as an associate justice of the Supreme Court, marking a pivotal moment in the Court’s evolution during the Roaring Twenties. A staunch advocate of economic liberty and a former leader of the Progressive Party, Sutherland brought a conservative, pro‑business philosophy that would shape landmark decisions on antitrust law, federal power, and individual rights. His tenure coincided with the Court’s clash over New Deal legislation, and his opinions often reflected a deep skepticism of expansive government intervention. The Reason Magazine piece revisits this historic oath, highlighting how Sutherland’s judicial legacy continues to influence contemporary debates over constitutional interpretation and the balance between liberty and regulation.
9/5/1922: Justice George Sutherland takes the oath. The post Today in Supreme Court History: September 5, 1922 appeared first on Reason Magazine.
