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What is the extraordinary story of Cardozo, who became the second Jewish justice of the U.S. Supreme Court?
Benjamin N. Cardozo is an outstanding judge in American history. His legal career began in 1914 on the New York Supreme Court, and in 1932 he was appointed an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court, a position he held until his death in 1938. His story not only demonstrates the achievements of an outstanding judge, but also reflects his profound impact on law and society.
Cardoso was born in New York City in 1870 to Western Sephardic parents from the Portuguese Jewish community. Cardozo's background and family history played an important role in his legal thinking. Because Cardozo's ancestors were "New Christians" and converted during the Spanish Inquisition, this life experience gave him a special understanding of legal justice and morality.
In law, I have never sought fame; all I have sought is standing up for justice.
Early Life and Education
Cardozo's education began at Columbia University, where he achieved academic distinction, including being named Phi Beta Kappa. While his father was precipitated into retirement amid a raging judicial scandal, the young Cardoso was determined to rebuild the family's reputation. Although he did not have a formal law degree, due to his superb talent and perseverance, he finally passed the bar examination in 1891 and began his career.
The beginning of a legal career
Cardozo worked in a New York law firm and gradually built his reputation before entering public office. He was elected to the New York Supreme Court by a wide margin in 1913 and continued to hold important positions thereafter. During this period, his understanding and originality of law were evident in many cases, such as the famous case of Palsgraf v. Long Island Railroad Co., which had far-reaching implications for the boundaries of law and the principles of liability. influence.
The task of a judge is to view the law from a broader perspective and make it responsive to changes in society.
Become a Supreme Court judge
Cardozo was nominated as an associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court by President Herbert Hoover in 1932, and quickly won high praise from the industry and society in the following years. In fact, Cardozo's appointment is considered one of the few nonpartisan judicial appointments in history, a distinction earned for his contributions to the law and his wisdom. However, getting to the Supreme Court was not an easy process. Hoover had reservations about appointing a Jewish judge, but ultimately decided to appoint him under intense pressure.
Impact on the Supreme Court
During his tenure on the Supreme Court, Cardozo became one of the liberal justices known as the "Three Musketeers," emphasizing his loyalty to the Tenth Amendment in his opinions. Opinions in famous cases such as Nixon v. Condon and Steward Machine Co. v. Davis are his strong demonstrations of legal and social justice. He encouraged the courts to Respect life and liberty when making decisions.
In judicial terms, the realities and difficulties faced by everyone should be taken into consideration, which cannot be ignored by the law.
Cardozo’s Legacy
Cardozo's life was one of contribution and exploration of law. He has published many legal works, among which "The Nature of the Judicial Process" is regarded as an important reference for legal scholars. Although he is a Jewish judge, he also emphasizes the influence of his cultural background and inheritance on legal work, and has become an important symbol of the Jewish community in the legal profession.
Cardozo died in 1938, leaving behind profound historical and legal values. His cases and views still influence subsequent legal practice today. Cardozo’s story is not only a legal achievement, but also a struggle about cultural identity and beliefs. All of this prompts us to think about what is the connection between law and justice?
