Today in Supreme Court History: April 5, 1982

The Volokh Conspiracy

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4/5/1982: Justice Abe Fortas dies.

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Alan Vanneman 5 years ago

After FDR's death former New Dealers Thurman Arnold and Abe Fortas formed a law firm, later joined by another former New Dealer, Paul Porter. The firm was a frequent opponent of Joe McCarthy, Fortas in particular. As Earl Warren approached retirement, LBJ, who had appointed Fortas to the Court, wanted to make him chief justice. Unfortunately for Fortas, opponents in the Senate found embarrassing information about him. Not only did he not get the promotion, he was eventually forced to retire from the Court.

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Today in Supreme Court History: April 5, 1982

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