David Davis was born on September 9, 1815, in Cecil County, Maryland, to a wealthy family. He grew up in privilege and received a good education. He attended Yale University, where he graduated in 1835 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Davis continued his education by studying law and was admitted to the bar in 1836.
Davis quickly gained a reputation as a skilled lawyer and rose to prominence in the legal profession. He served as a member of the Illinois House of Representatives from 1845 to 1847 and as a delegate to the state constitutional convention in 1847. In 1848, Davis was appointed as a circuit judge and later served as a member of the Illinois Supreme Court.
During his time as a judge, Davis gained a deep understanding of the law and earned a reputation for his fairness and impartiality. In 1862, President Abraham Lincoln nominated Davis to serve as an associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, a position he held until 1877.
One of Davis's most significant contributions to legal history was his ruling that the trial of a civilian by a military tribunal was unconstitutional. This decision was considered one of the most profound in the history of the Supreme Court and solidified Davis's reputation as a brilliant legal mind.
After leaving the Supreme Court, Davis returned to private practice and continued to practice law until his death. He remained active in legal circles and was respected for his knowledge and expertise. Davis passed away on June 26, 1886, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most respected legal minds of his time.
Davis's upbringing in a wealthy family in Cecil County shaped his values and instilled in him a sense of duty and responsibility. He was a devoted husband and father and took great pride in his family. Davis's family supported him throughout his legal career and shared in his successes and achievements.
David Davis is remembered as a pioneering legal figure who made significant contributions to the field of law. His landmark decision on the constitutionality of military tribunals set a precedent for future legal rulings and established a standard of fairness and justice. Davis's legacy lives on in the minds of legal scholars and practitioners who continue to study and learn from his work.