Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Casto to Speak on CJ Ellsworth

William R. Casto, Paul Whitfield Horn Distinguished Professor at Texas Tech University, will speak via Zoom on “The Life and Times of Chief Justice Oliver Ellsworth” before the Supreme Court Historical Society on February 24, 2025 at 12:00 PM (EST).  Register here.

Oliver Ellsworth (LC)
Chief Justice Ellsworth, born in 1745, played a pivotal role in the founding of our nation. From his work as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention in 1787 to his leadership in crafting the Judiciary Act of 1789, Ellsworth’s impact on the formation of the federal judiciary is profound. His tenure as Chief Justice, though brief from 1796 to 1800, was crucial in shaping the early years of the Supreme Court.

Ellsworth’s legacy extends far beyond his time on the Court, as he was instrumental in creating the "Connecticut Compromise," resolving the contentious debate over congressional representation. His legal and political career reflects the complex challenges and transformative moments of the American Revolution and early national government.

--Dan Ernst