John Q. Barrett corrected my earlier post by pointing out that Justice Robert Jackson received a belated diploma, or perhaps a certificate of completion, following his one year at Albany Law School. A little research discloses that James Byrnes was the last justice who never attended law school at all. Byrnes, who had served as a senator from South Carolina, was appointed by FDR in 1941, but he resigned after only 452 days to take a position as head of the Office of Economic Stabilization. Byrnes's tenure was the second shortest of any justice, and the shortest of anyone who was actually confirmed, rather than a recess appointment. He later served as Truman's secretary of state.
Byrnes was a segregationist. As a senator, he played a key role in blocking anti-lynching legislation. But he was also a New Dealer who supported FDR's court packing plan, which probably explains the appointments in the FDR and Truman administrations. He was later elected governor of South Carolina, and he ended his career supporting Republican candidates for president.
This nomination is yet another example of the way that Democrats have traditionally, and to this day, lived according to their exemplary "ethics" and superior moral sensibilities. For a Democrat, if you are "right" on certain issues, then all is forgiven.
Of course, it seems FDR pandered to the solidly racist elements of his party. See, e.g., internment, refusal to meet with Jesse Owens, the above-mentioned efforts to block anti-lynching legislation proposed and sponsored by Republicans, the deplorable lack of action with regard to the Jews in Europe, the nomination of Hugo Black (as well as the above-mentioned Byrnes), etc, etc etc.
Those who would deify FDR should remember what the rider in the chariot whispered into the ear of Roman Caesars during their triumphs.
Posted by: anon | May 09, 2019 at 08:46 PM