Who is the only Memphis native to serve on the US Supreme Court?

Answer 1

Justice Abe Fortas (1910-1982) was a Memphis, TN, native nominated by Lyndon Johnson. Fortas served as Associate Justice from 1965-1969.

In June 1968, Johnson nominated Fortas, a liberal, to replace Chief Justice Earl Warren, who wanted to retire. Conservatives in the Senate were so angry over the progressive direction of the Warren Court, however, that they filibustered Fortas' nomination. The Democrats in the Senate were unable to muster the 2/3 vote needed for cloture, so the nomination was killed.

In 1969, the House of Representatives discussed impeaching Fortas due to his connection with Wall Street financier Louis Wolfson, who was undergoing criminal investigation for securities fraud. Fortas had accepted a $20,000 a year, lifetime retainer from the broker for unspecified advice. Although Fortas returned the money, rumors circulated that he was paid to negotiate a Presidential pardon on his friend's behalf.

When then-President Nixon heard about the scandal, he wanted Fortas to resign. Although initially reluctant, Fortas later decided it was in the best interest of his wife's legal career that he leave the Court.