A Brave Man Stands Firm: The Historic Battles of Chief Justice Marshall and President Jefferson
Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Government
| Author: | Ronald Zellar | ISBN: | 9780875868844 |
| Publisher: | Algora Publishing | Publication: | December 15, 2009 |
| Imprint: | Algora Publishing | Language: | English |
| Author: | Ronald Zellar |
| ISBN: | 9780875868844 |
| Publisher: | Algora Publishing |
| Publication: | December 15, 2009 |
| Imprint: | Algora Publishing |
| Language: | English |
Zellar reveals facets of Jeffersons personality that are quite at odds with his reputation as a champion of civil liberties. The evidence shows that Jefferson jumped to conclusions and publicly proclaimed Burrs guilt -- before he was even arrested, much less indicted and tried. Jefferson was intimately involved in trial strategy, writing numerous letters to the lead prosecutor.
At the same time, Chief Justice John Marshall, usually presented as a champion of property rights and commerce, ensured that the rule of law prevailed, despite enormous pressures, throughout the criminal trial. Letters between Jefferson and Prosecutor George Hay, and excerpts from the trial transcript and court opinions, support the authors thesis.
The author notes,
I have found John Marshall to be a truly engaging, good, and brilliant man. He treated people with dignity and respect, even those with whom he disagreed. Thomas Jefferson and Judge Spencer Roane of Virginia appear to be the only persons Marshall disdained. During my research, I reread Chief Justice Marshalls great expositions on Constitutional law, as well as his letters and comments made about him by his contemporaries. I was particularly impressed with Marshalls court management of the Burr trial. It was a brilliant performance. Although Jefferson was always the smartest person in the room, Marshall (a brilliant man himself) was more down to earth. Future Supreme Court Associate Justice Story wrote, after meeting Marshall for the first time in 1808: I love his laugh. It is too hearty for an intriguer. Chief Justice John Roberts recently contrasted President Jefferson and Chief Justice Marshall: Jefferson certainly did not have the common touch. [W]hen you look at him side by side with Marshall, Marshall comes across as more substantial, certainly more likeable. Yes, I think theyd both invite you to share their table and pour you a drink, but you kind of think youd have a very academic discussion with Jefferson and youd have a good time with Marshall. Marshall, unfortunately, is not as well known as Jefferson.
Zellar reveals facets of Jeffersons personality that are quite at odds with his reputation as a champion of civil liberties. The evidence shows that Jefferson jumped to conclusions and publicly proclaimed Burrs guilt -- before he was even arrested, much less indicted and tried. Jefferson was intimately involved in trial strategy, writing numerous letters to the lead prosecutor.
At the same time, Chief Justice John Marshall, usually presented as a champion of property rights and commerce, ensured that the rule of law prevailed, despite enormous pressures, throughout the criminal trial. Letters between Jefferson and Prosecutor George Hay, and excerpts from the trial transcript and court opinions, support the authors thesis.
The author notes,
I have found John Marshall to be a truly engaging, good, and brilliant man. He treated people with dignity and respect, even those with whom he disagreed. Thomas Jefferson and Judge Spencer Roane of Virginia appear to be the only persons Marshall disdained. During my research, I reread Chief Justice Marshalls great expositions on Constitutional law, as well as his letters and comments made about him by his contemporaries. I was particularly impressed with Marshalls court management of the Burr trial. It was a brilliant performance. Although Jefferson was always the smartest person in the room, Marshall (a brilliant man himself) was more down to earth. Future Supreme Court Associate Justice Story wrote, after meeting Marshall for the first time in 1808: I love his laugh. It is too hearty for an intriguer. Chief Justice John Roberts recently contrasted President Jefferson and Chief Justice Marshall: Jefferson certainly did not have the common touch. [W]hen you look at him side by side with Marshall, Marshall comes across as more substantial, certainly more likeable. Yes, I think theyd both invite you to share their table and pour you a drink, but you kind of think youd have a very academic discussion with Jefferson and youd have a good time with Marshall. Marshall, unfortunately, is not as well known as Jefferson.
