Description:
(Former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States (1967 - 1991))
An influential lawyer who rose through ranks during his lifetime, Thurgood Marshall went on to become an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court, serving for more than two decades. Holding prominent offices such as Solicitor General and Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, Thurgood Marshall left an indelible impression on American judicial system. He rose from humble beginnings and through sheer brilliance and hard work; he achieved whatever he aspired for during his lifetime. In a time when racial discrimination was prevalent in American society, he went on to become the first African-American justice, fighting all odds. Apart from being the justice of the United States Supreme Court, he was instrumental in sanctioning a number of actions in the United States viz, polling privileges for African-Americans, justice system in criminal events, public education and equalizing expenditure, thus becoming the first individual to end ‘legal segregation’. He has been the proud recipient of a number of awards and certifications for his outstanding contribution to the field of civil rights.
Birthday
July 2, 1908 (Cancer)
Born In
United States
Alternative names
Thoroughgood Marshall
City
Baltimore, Maryland
Died on
January 24, 1993
Spouse/Ex-
Cecilia Suyat Marshall (m. 1955–1993), Vivian Burey Marshall (m. 1929–1955)
Parents
William Marshall
Norma Arica Williams
Children
John W. Marshall, Thurgood Marshall Jr.
Relatives
William Aubrey Marshall
What was Thurgood Marshall's role in the Civil Rights Movement?
Thurgood Marshall played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement as a lawyer and advocate for racial equality. He argued several landmark cases before the Supreme Court that led to desegregation and the protection of civil rights.
How did Thurgood Marshall impact the legal system?
Thurgood Marshall made a significant impact on the legal system by serving as the first African American justice on the Supreme Court. His rulings and opinions helped shape constitutional law, particularly in the areas of civil rights and individual liberties.
What was Thurgood Marshall's involvement in the Brown v. Board of Education case?
Thurgood Marshall was the lead attorney for the plaintiffs in the Brown v. Board of Education case, which challenged racial segregation in public schools. His arguments helped persuade the Supreme Court to declare segregation unconstitutional in a landmark decision.
What were some of Thurgood Marshall's most notable Supreme Court decisions?
Some of Thurgood Marshall's most notable Supreme Court decisions include rulings that expanded civil rights protections, such as the decisions in cases like Furman v. Georgia, which struck down the death penalty, and Regents of the University of California v. Bakke, which addressed affirmative action.
How did Thurgood Marshall's legal career influence future generations of lawyers and activists?
Thurgood Marshall's legal career served as an inspiration to future generations of lawyers and activists who sought to advance civil rights and social justice. His dedication to equality and justice continues to influence those working to uphold the principles of fairness and equality in society.