James Iredell

Details

Birth

October 5, 1751 · Lewes, England

Death

October 20, 1799

Law school

Read law (Johnston, Samuel)

Prior experience

Various legal and public service prior to appointment

Biography

James Iredell (October 5, 1751 – October 20, 1799) was an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court from 1790 to 1799. Born in Lewes, England, Iredell immigrated to North Carolina in 1768 at age 17 to work as a merchant's apprentice. He studied law independently and was admitted to the North Carolina bar in 1771. During the American Revolution, Iredell emerged as a prominent patriot advocate, writing influential essays defending American independence and later supporting ratification of the U.S. Constitution as a Federalist. He served as North Carolina's attorney general from 1779 to 1781 and as a judge on the state's superior court from 1777 to 1778. President George Washington appointed Iredell to the Supreme Court in 1790, making him the youngest justice at age 38. Iredell advocated for a restrained judicial philosophy, emphasizing deference to legislative authority and strict constitutional interpretation. His most significant opinion came in Chisholm v. Georgia (1793), where he dissented against the majority ruling that allowed citizens to sue states in federal court, arguing that such suits violated state sovereignty. His position ultimately prevailed when the Eleventh Amendment overturned the majority decision. Iredell also played a crucial role in establishing early Supreme Court procedures and participated in the arduous circuit-riding duties required of justices at the time. His dedication to these demanding travels across the Southern circuit contributed to his declining health. Iredell died in 1799 at age 48, having served nine years on the Court. His legacy includes his contributions to constitutional law, particularly regarding federalism and judicial restraint, and his role in shaping the early institutional practices of the Supreme Court.

Notable opinions

• Calder v. Bull
• Chisholm v. Georgia