biography
| sex:
| male
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| lived:
| (1741–1811)
|
| biography:
| Jurist, born in Princess Anne, Maryland, USA. He was a delegate to the Continental Congresses from 1774, and signed the Declaration of Independence. He opposed the new Constitution, but supported the Washington administration in 1795, and won nomination to the Supreme Court in 1796. He delivered many distinguished opinions, stressing the supremacy of national treaties over state laws, and the inherent limitations on legislative powers. He was impeached in 1804 at the instance of President Jefferson for his partisan hostility to political offenders, but was acquitted in 1805. His acquittal strengthened the independence of the judiciary. |
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