This paper by James Burroughs Noell discusses the life and tenure of Melville Weston Fuller as Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, appointed by President Grover Cleveland in 1888. Spanning 22 years, Fuller's career is noted for his leadership in managing a backlog of cases through the establishment of the Circuit Court of Appeals Act in 1891. Despite not being associated with landmark decisions, Fuller's influence is highlighted through his writing of 870 opinions and his reputation for direct reasoning and common sense among his peers. The paper also touches on Theodore Roosevelt's unsuccessful attempt to replace Fuller due to a desire to appoint Taft, emphasizing Fuller's dedication to his role until his death.
This paper by J. Burroughs Noell delves into the life and contributions of Chief Justice Morrison R. Waite. From a lineage of legal professionals and a Yale graduate, Waite's career took him to Northwest Ohio, where he became a prominent figure. Despite initial setbacks and a cool reception from some Supreme Court justices, Waite's democratic principles and respect for the rule of law eventually earned him widespread admiration. His tenure of fourteen years at the Supreme Court was marked by over a thousand opinions, notably including the Grainger Cases, which addressed the public character of private property used in common, such as railroad and elevator rates. Waite's impactful career was cut short by his sudden death in 1888, just as he was set to deliver an opinion in a significant telephone dispute.
