Benjamin Nathan Cardozo was born on May 24, 1870, in New York City. He was the son of Rebecca Washington and Albert Jacob, both of whom were Jewish immigrants from Europe. Growing up, Cardozo was surrounded by a family that valued education and hard work. His father, a successful judge and lawyer, instilled in him a love for the law and a strong sense of justice.
Cardozo attended Columbia Law School, where he studied under renowned legal scholars. Despite his academic success, he left the school without obtaining a law degree. Instead, he began his legal career by apprenticing at his father's firm, where he honed his skills as a lawyer and developed a deep understanding of the legal system.
Cardozo's career as a lawyer flourished, and he quickly gained a reputation for his keen legal mind and ethical principles. In 1914, he was appointed to the New York Supreme Court, where he served with distinction for nearly two decades. His reputation for fairness and impartiality caught the attention of President Herbert Hoover, who nominated him to the U.S. Supreme Court in 1932.
Cardozo's tenure on the Supreme Court was marked by his commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of individuals. He was known for his eloquent and well-reasoned opinions, which often emphasized the importance of justice and equality. During his time on the Court, he wrote several landmark decisions that shaped American jurisprudence.
Benjamin N. Cardozo passed away on July 9, 1938, but his legacy lives on. His vision of a legal system guided by principle and justice continues to guide and inspire those who seek to uphold the rule of law.