Midnight Judges Act
The Midnight Judges Act (also known as the Judiciary Act of 1801; 2 Stat. 89, or the Midnight Appointments) represented an effort to solve an issue in the U.S. Supreme Court during the early 19th century. There was concern, beginning in 1789, about the system that required the Justices of the Supreme Court to “ride circuit” and reiterate decisions made in the appellate level courts. The Supreme Court Justices had often voiced concern and suggested that the judges of the Supreme and circuit courts be divided.
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American History USA Articles
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The Constitution does not set the size of the Supreme Court at nine. Politics played an important part in reaching this number.
Books/Sources
- 1801 in Law: Midnight Judges ACT - LLC Books
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