Justice Tom C. Clark, appointed by President Harry S. Truman in 1949, served on the Supreme Court until his retirement in 1967. A Texan by birth, Clark had a distinguished career as U.S. Attorney General before joining the Court. On the bench, Clark was known for his practical approach and commitment to civil liberties.
Clark wrote the majority opinion in Mapp v. Ohio (1961), which applied the exclusionary rule to the states, ensuring evidence obtained through illegal searches could not be used in court. This landmark decision significantly expanded Fourth Amendment protections. He also contributed to cases involving racial desegregation, including supporting the Court’s ruling in Brown v. Board of Education (1954).
Clark retired when his son, Ramsey Clark, became Attorney General, to avoid any conflict of interest. His judicial career was marked by a steadfast dedication to constitutional principles and fairness. He passed away in 1977.
