Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. Quotes
A collection of quotes by Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr..
Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. (1841-1935) was an American jurist, often regarded as one of the greatest legal minds in the country's history. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, he came from a distinguished intellectual family and his father, Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr., was a renowned writer and physician.
Holmes graduated from Harvard College and Harvard Law School, where he developed a keen interest in legal philosophy. He went on to serve in the Union Army during the American Civil War, where he was injured three times and achieved the rank of lieutenant colonel. After the war, he embarked on a successful legal career, serving as a professor at Harvard Law School and later as a justice of the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts.
In 1902, Holmes was appointed to the United States Supreme Court by President Theodore Roosevelt, where he served for three decades until his retirement in 1932. During his time on the bench, Holmes became known for his pragmatic approach to interpreting the law. He believed that legal decisions should be based on the impact they would have on society rather than abstract theories of justice.
Holmes is famous for his clear and concise legal writing style, often using colorful and memorable language to express his ideas. His opinions, often characterized by their pragmatism, shaped American jurisprudence and left a lasting impact on constitutional law.
Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. remains a highly influential figure in the history of American law, known for shaping legal thinking through his unique perspective and philosophy.
