Justice Benjamin N. Cardozo, appointed by President Herbert Hoover in 1932, was one of the most esteemed legal minds in American history. Prior to joining the Supreme Court, Cardozo served on the New York Court of Appeals, where he authored landmark decisions that shaped tort and contract law.
On the Supreme Court, Cardozo’s opinions reflected his commitment to justice, fairness, and the public good. His concurring opinion in Palko v. Connecticut (1937) helped establish the framework for the incorporation of the Bill of Rights under the Fourteenth Amendment. Though his time on the Court was short—he served until his death in 1938—Cardozo’s influence extended far beyond his tenure, particularly through his writings, such as The Nature of the Judicial Process.
Cardozo’s legacy is defined by his eloquence, philosophical insights, and enduring impact on American jurisprudence.
