Events

2001 Lecture Series: The Supreme Court of John Marshall

The bicentennial of John Marshall’s appointment as Chief Justice falls in 2001. The Society’s next lecture series will commemorate this event.

First lecture October 11, 2001: The Supreme Court Before Marshall
Robert Clinton of the Southwestern Indiana University at Carbondale will discuss the historical background of the Court before John Marshall joined it in 1801.

Second lecture October 25, 2001: The Establishment of Judicial Autonomy: Marbury v. Madison (1803)
William Nelson of New York University’s Law School will discuss the role that Marbury v. Madison played in establishing judicial parity, or supremacy, and the continuing role that it plays today.

Third lecture November 13, 2001: John Marshall and the Creation of a National Government
Michael McConnell of the University of Utah College of Law, will consider some of the great cases that established the scope and supremacy of the federal government such as McCulloch v. Maryland.

Fourth lecture November 29, 2001: Marshall versus the Presidents: Jefferson and Jackson
On at least two occasions, the Marshall Court came into conflict with the executive branch. With Jefferson, the focal point was the Burr trial; with Jackson, the Cherokee cases. Henry Abraham, Professor Emeritus at the University of Virginia at Charlottesville, will discuss these incidents.

Fifth lecture December 6, 2001: The Legacy of John Marshall
Charles Hobson of the College of William and Mary will examine the long-term historical legacy of John Marshall. Professor Hobson is the editor of the Marshall Papers.

These lectures will be given in the Supreme Court Chamber. Members of the Society will receive invitations to this series in September. Seating is limited; Society members will receive priority seating. For additional information, please call Marianne Harding at (202) 543 0400.