Who were the “midnight judges?”

Who were the “midnight judges?”

Judiciary Act of 1801Increased the number of federal judges with life terms.

“midnight judges”• Adams appoints the federal judges on the last day of

his presidencyCourt Packing• Placing judges with the same political beliefs into the

newly created positions

New Face of the Supreme Court

Chief Justice John Marshall• He served on the Supreme Court for 34 years

Marbury v Madison (1803)

• Federal judge appointee Marbury asks court Secretary of State Madison to deliver his papers – he does not – case goes to Supreme Court• Chief Justice Marshall decides in favor of

Madison• His decision gives “Unconstitutional” as the

reason/explanation• This defines the role of the Supreme Court• Job Description: Judicial Review

Jefferson Stays the Path

(1803) Louisiana Purchase•The United States double in size•France sells the Louisiana Territory to the US for 15 million dollars