On February 8, 1941, the Supreme Court lost one of its most influential justices, Willis Van Devanter. Van Devanter spent 27 years on the bench, shaping the direction of American law and upholding the principles of justice and fairness. His legacy continues to influence the court and our country to this day.
Born on April 17, 1859 in Marion, Indiana, Van Devanter was raised in a family of lawyers. After obtaining his law degree from the Cincinnati Law School, he began his legal career in Cheyenne, Wyoming, eventually becoming a prominent lawyer in the West. In 1891, President Benjamin Harrison appointed him as a federal judge for the District of Wyoming, and in 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt nominated him to the Supreme Court.
Throughout his time on the bench, Van Devanter was known for his strict adherence to the Constitution and his belief in states’ rights. He strongly believed in the principles of limited government and individual liberty, often dissenting from rulings that he saw as overstepping the bounds of federal power. In his opinions, he championed the rights of states to govern themselves and the rights of individuals to be free from government interference.
One of Van Devanter’s most notable opinions came in the 1923 case of Meyer v. Nebraska, which struck down a state law that prohibited the teaching of any language other than English in public schools. In his majority opinion, Van Devanter wrote, “The state cannot standardize its children by forcing them to accept instruction from one source only.” This decision was a landmark in upholding the freedom of speech and expression guaranteed by the First Amendment.
Throughout his career, Van Devanter also played a pivotal role in shaping the court’s opinions on economic issues. He was a strong advocate for limited government intervention in the economy, and he regularly dissented from decisions that he believed gave the government too much power over individuals and businesses. His opinions in cases such as Schechter Poultry Corp. v. United States and Panama Refining Co. v. Ryan have been praised by economists and legal scholars alike for their commitment to free market principles.
But beyond his legal contributions, Van Devanter was also known as a respected and fair-minded colleague on the court. He was known for his thoughtful and thorough opinions, and his ability to bridge the gap between differing viewpoints. He was highly regarded by his fellow justices, who often sought his counsel on difficult cases.
Despite his many achievements, Van Devanter’s time on the bench was not without controversy. In 1937, he became the first justice to retire under the newly created age-based retirement system, which required judges to retire at the age of 70. This decision was met with criticism, as many believed he still had much to contribute to the court. However, Van Devanter remained steadfast in his belief that judges should not serve for life, and that the system of retirement was necessary to ensure the court remained unbiased and effective.
On this day in 1941, the country said farewell to one of its most brilliant legal minds and dedicated public servants. Justice Willis Van Devanter’s legacy continues to inspire and shape the Supreme Court’s decisions, reminding us of the importance of upholding the principles of the Constitution and protecting individual rights. His contributions to our nation will never be forgotten, and his presence is sorely missed in the highest court of the land.
Despite the passage of time, the principles and values Justice Van Devanter championed still hold true in today’s legal landscape. As we reflect on his legacy, let us strive to continue his legacy of upholding justice and fighting for the rights of all individuals. We owe it to him and to ourselves to continue his work and ensure that his contributions to American law are never forgotten.
