Benjamin Robbins Curtis
Benjamin Robbins Curtis (1809-1874) was an Associate Justice on theSupreme Court of the United States. He joined the court in 1851 after a nomination from PresidentMillard Fillmore. Prior to joining the court, Curtis was a private practice attorney. He resigned from the Supreme Court onSeptember 30, 1857, to return to private practice. Curtis passed away on September 15, 1874.[1]
Curtis was the only nominee of President Fillmore's confirmed to the Supreme Court, though he nominated four justices. Curtis served duringThe Taney Court.
Education
Curtis received his A.B. degree from Harvard University in 1829 and a law degree from Harvard Law School.[1]
Professional career
Prior to joining the court, Curtis was an attorney in private practice in Massachusetts.[1] He also served in the Massachusetts State Legislature, where one of his accomplishments was the creation of the Massachusetts Practice Act of 1851, a judicial reform bill.[2]
Judicial nominations and appointments
Supreme Court of the United States
Curtis received a recess appointment from PresidentMillard Fillmore on September 22, 1851. On December 11, 1851, Curtis was officially nominated. He was confirmed by the Senate onDecember 20, 1851, and received commission that same day. He resigned onSeptember 30, 1857.[1] He was succeeded to this post by JusticeNathan Clifford.
See also
External links
- Law Library - American Law and Legal Information, "Biography"
- The Supreme Court Historical Society, "Benjamin R. Curtis"
Footnotes
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by: Levi Woodbury | Supreme Court 1851–1857 Seat #3 | Succeeded by: Nathan Clifford |
| |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fillmore | Benjamin Robbins Curtis •John Glenn •Nathan Kelsey Hall •Ogden Hoffman •James McHall Jones | ||
