John Foster

We continue our series on the most important Supreme Court justices by spotlighting Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.: His life, Civil War service, and his jurisprudence.

Dr. John Foster also explains Holmes’s contribution to substantive due process, a legal doctrine that’s received A LOT of attention lately.

And that’s not all! You’ll also hear about Holmes getting shot through the neck, his love triangle with William James, and discover the origin of the phrase “clear and present danger.”

The two previous lectures in this series focused on Chief Justice John Marshal and The Great Dissenter, John Marshal Harlan. Both can be watched in their entirety on our YouTube channel. The series concludes in October with a lecture about Earl Warren.

In addition to being a reference librarian, Foster has a doctorate degree in history. He has taught history at both high school and college levels. Previously, he has led series on the Battles of World War II, the Cold War, the American Revolution, The Vietnam Wars, and US Presidents of the 20^th Century at the library.

When a Supreme Court justice achieves legendary status, it’s usually for majority opinions they’ve written. However, at least one has become famous for their acumen in dissent.

John Marshall Harlan II is best known for his foresight when dissenting in Plessy v. Ferguson. Our in-house historian Dr. John Foster will lead you through Harlan’s life, jurisprudence, and historical context. See how Harlan’s opinions — even in dissent — predicted legal arguments during the Civil Rights movement 60 years later.

The first lecture in this series focused on Chief Justice John Marshal. It can be watched in its entirety on our YouTube channel.

In addition to being a reference librarian, Foster has a doctorate degree in history. He has taught history at both high school and college levels. Previously, he has led series on the Battles of World War II, the Cold War, the American Revolution, The Vietnam Wars, and US Presidents of the 20^th Century at the library.