Justice Robert H. Jackson, appointed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1941, was celebrated for his eloquence, pragmatism, and clarity of thought. Prior to his appointment, Jackson served as Attorney General and Solicitor General, earning a reputation as one of the best advocates in U.S. history. His tenure on the Court was marked by a commitment to individual liberties and constitutional balance.
Jackson is best remembered for his opinion in West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette (1943), where he articulated a robust defense of the First Amendment by striking down mandatory flag salutes in schools. His assertion that “compulsory unification of opinion” violates personal freedoms remains a hallmark of free speech jurisprudence.
Beyond the Court, Jackson served as the chief U.S. prosecutor at the Nuremberg Trials, crafting a legal framework for holding Nazi leaders accountable for war crimes. His dual roles as a jurist and international prosecutor cemented his legacy as a champion of justice. Jackson served on the Supreme Court until his death in 1954.
