0
Black was a Democratic Senator from Alabama when President Franklin D. Roosevelt nominated him to replace Justice Willis Van Devanter, who had resigned from the Court on June 2, 1937. Speculation holds that Van Devanter, who was 78 years old, left to thwart Roosevelt's "Court-packing Plan" (Judiciary Reorganization Bill of 1937), which proposed to add one new justice for each sitting justice over the age of 70.5.
Van Devanter, along with most other members of the Supreme Court, were hostile to Roosevelt's New Deal legislation, and voted much of it unconstitutional. Roosevelt, hoping to tip the Court in his favor, attempted to legislate extra pro-New Deal justices onto the bench. Although his plan ultimately failed, Roosevelt was able to place nine members to vacant seats during his tenure (only President Washington nominated more justices, at ten).
Hugo Black was a strong proponent of the New Deal and supported it in the Senate. The only problem was, Black was an incumbent Senator at the time of his nomination, which some Congressmen believed presented constitutional challenges. The Senate Judiciary Committee determined Black was eligible to serve, and recommended full-Senate approval in a 13-4 vote. The Senate commissioned him to the Supreme Court on August 17, 1937, by a vote of 63-13.
Hugo Black served from 1937-1971, more than 34 years (12,447 days), which is the fourth-longest Court tenure in history (behind his contemporary, William O. Douglas, who served 36 years, 209 days). Black is considered one of the most influential Justices of the 20th century.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
What was Hugo Black famous for?
Hugo Black was famous for being the first Supreme Court Justice (previously a democrat for Alabama) appointed by Franklin D. Roosevelt. After he was appointed this position, it became known that he was a member of the KKK.
What supreme court justice was known to advocate the absolute position regarding freedom of expression?
Hugo Black and William Douglas
What Alabama US Supreme Court justice served from the 1930s to the 1960s?
Justice Hugo Black actually served from 1937 until 1971, the 1930s to the 1970s. President Franklin D. Roosevelt appointed Black to succeed Justice Willis Van Devanter, who retired in 1937.
Who succeeded Justice Lewis Powell on the US Supreme Court?
Justice Lewis F. Powell was succeed by incumbent Justice Anthony M. Kennedy, whom President Reagan nominated to the Court in 1988. Powell was preceded by Justice Hugo Black.
What Alabama native was appointed to the US Supreme Court in 1937?
Justice Hugo Black served from 1937 until 1971. President Franklin D. Roosevelt appointed Black to succeed Justice Willis Van Devanter, who retired in 1937.
Who was the predecessor to Powell in the US Supreme Court?
Justice Hugo Black preceded Justice Lewis F. Powell, Jr., on the US Supreme Court. Black was nominated by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1937 and served on the Court until 1971.
When was the Hugo black stamp issued?
Hugo L Black stamp was issued when
What is Hugo Black's birthday?
Hugo Black was born on February 27, 1886.
When was Hugo Black born?
Hugo Black was born on February 27, 1886.
When did Hugo Black die?
Hugo Black died on 1971-09-25.
Which Supreme Court justice took the unusual position that the First Amendment protected all publications even wholly obscene one?
hugo black
When was Hugo Black III born?
Hugo Black III was born on 1953-07-15.
