The Great Chief Justice: John Marshall

Also known as the Babe Ruth of the Supreme Court, John Marshall will now and forever have a lasting legacy. Born on September 24, 1755 in Germantown, Virginia, Marshall was the first of fifteen children. As member of the 3d Virginia Regiment, he participated in the Revolutionary War. Following his military service in 1780, he attended the College of William and Mary where George Wythe conducted lectures. He continued the private study of law until admitted to practice …

…five months and two days after his swearing in. At age 79, he took the role as the longest tenure of any Chief Justice in history. In the end, his 1000+ decision and 500 opinions were really worth it. Taken "as the single most important figure on constitutional law," not only did he help establish the final authority on the meaning of the constitution, but he led the Supreme Court from obscurity and weakness to prominence and power.