James McReynolds

associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court
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Quick Facts
Born:
Feb. 3, 1862, Elkton, Ky., U.S.
Died:
Aug. 24, 1946, Washington, D.C. (aged 84)
Political Affiliation:
Democratic Party

James McReynolds (born Feb. 3, 1862, Elkton, Ky., U.S.—died Aug. 24, 1946, Washington, D.C.) was a U.S. Supreme Court justice (1914–41) who was a leading force in striking down the early New Deal program of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. McReynolds was admitted to the bar in 1884 and practiced law in Nashville, Tenn. He was professor of law at Vanderbilt University, Nashville, prior to his appointment as assistant attorney general (1903–07) in the administration of President Theodore Roosevelt. As special counsel to the attorney general (1907–12) and as attorney general (1913–14) under President Woodrow Wilson, McReynolds was distinguished for his ...(100 of 147 words)