Today in Supreme Court History: November 21, 1926

11/21/1926: Justice Joseph McKenna died.

Justice Joseph McKenna

Comments

[Rev. Arthur L. Kirkland]

Paltry when he joined the Court, shambling as a justice, substandard in departure.

A Republican hero.

[Á àß äẞç ãþÇđ âÞ¢Đæ ǎB€Ðëf ảhf]

Perhaps you think he was a Republican hero because he died when a Republican was President?

You have a couple of months remaining to be a hero.

[Rev. Arthur L. Kirkland]

He was half-educated (no law degree; took some law-talking courses after joining the Supreme Court) and superstitious. He upheld racist voter suppression laws. A Republican nominated by Republicans. Sounds like a Republican dream date.

[Cal Cetín]

Was Oliver Wendell Holmes "half-educated?" He spoke for the Court in the voter-disenfranchisement decision of Giles v. Harris:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giles_v._Harris

[Cal Cetín]

Also, I don't think Holmes was particularly religious ("superstitious").

And of course the Democratic Chief Justice joined the majority.