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Justice Henry Billings Brown commenced his life in Massachusetts before establishing his formative legal career in Michigan.
Answer: True
Explanation: Henry Billings Brown was born in Massachusetts and later relocated to Michigan, where he developed his legal career.
Henry Billings Brown was born in Massachusetts and later established his legal career in Michigan.
Answer: True
Explanation: Justice Henry Billings Brown commenced his life in Massachusetts before establishing his formative legal career in Michigan.
During his undergraduate studies at Yale, Henry Billings Brown's notable classmates included future Supreme Court Justice David Josiah Brewer.
Answer: True
Explanation: David Josiah Brewer, who later served as an Associate Justice on the Supreme Court, was indeed a classmate of Henry Billings Brown during their undergraduate years at Yale College.
Where did Henry Billings Brown pursue his undergraduate studies?
Answer: Yale College
Explanation: Henry Billings Brown pursued his undergraduate education at Yale College, graduating in 1856.
What is the significance of the image titled 'Brown's Yale College graduation picture, 1856'?
Answer: It provides a visual representation of his early life and education.
Explanation: The photograph of Henry Billings Brown from his Yale College graduation in 1856 serves as a visual record of his early life and educational background prior to his distinguished legal career.
Henry Billings Brown's early legal practice in Detroit focused mainly on criminal defense.
Answer: False
Explanation: Justice Henry Billings Brown's early legal practice in Detroit was primarily concentrated on matters of admiralty law, particularly concerning Great Lakes shipping, rather than criminal defense.
Henry Billings Brown successfully ran for a congressional seat in 1872.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Henry Billings Brown did attempt to enter politics by running for a congressional seat in 1872, his bid for election was unsuccessful.
Henry Billings Brown hired a substitute to serve in his place during the Civil War.
Answer: True
Explanation: Records indicate that Henry Billings Brown did not serve in the Union Army during the Civil War, instead opting to hire a substitute soldier to fulfill his military obligation.
Henry Billings Brown was appointed to the federal bench as a District Court Judge by President Ulysses S. Grant.
Answer: True
Explanation: President Ulysses S. Grant nominated Henry Billings Brown to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, marking his entry into federal judicial service.
Henry Billings Brown's private law practice in Detroit primarily focused on admiralty law concerning Great Lakes shipping.
Answer: True
Explanation: Upon establishing his practice in Detroit, Henry Billings Brown specialized in admiralty law, addressing the legal complexities of maritime commerce on the Great Lakes.
What area of law did Henry Billings Brown primarily specialize in during his early legal career in Detroit?
Answer: Admiralty Law
Explanation: During his early legal career in Detroit, Henry Billings Brown concentrated his practice primarily on admiralty law, dealing with maritime issues pertinent to the Great Lakes.
In which year did Henry Billings Brown attempt to run for a congressional seat?
Answer: 1872
Explanation: Henry Billings Brown sought election to a congressional seat in 1872, although this political endeavor proved unsuccessful.
What action did Henry Billings Brown take regarding service in the Union Army during the Civil War?
Answer: He hired a substitute soldier to take his place.
Explanation: During the Civil War, Henry Billings Brown fulfilled his military obligation by hiring a substitute soldier to serve in his stead.
Who nominated Henry Billings Brown to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan?
Answer: President Ulysses S. Grant
Explanation: President Ulysses S. Grant nominated Henry Billings Brown to the federal bench as a District Court Judge for the Eastern District of Michigan.
What was the primary reason Henry Billings Brown felt financially able to accept a federal judgeship, which typically paid less than a lucrative private practice?
Answer: He was financially independent due to an inheritance from his father-in-law.
Explanation: Justice Brown's financial independence, derived from an inheritance from his father-in-law, enabled him to accept a federal judgeship, which offered a lower salary compared to his established private practice.
Justice Brown was nominated to the Supreme Court by President Grover Cleveland.
Answer: False
Explanation: Justice Henry Billings Brown was nominated to the Supreme Court by President Benjamin Harrison, not Grover Cleveland.
What was Henry Billings Brown's primary role in the U.S. judicial system after his time as a district judge?
Answer: Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States
Explanation: Following his service as a federal District Court Judge, Henry Billings Brown was appointed as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States.
Who nominated Henry Billings Brown to the Supreme Court of the United States?
Answer: President Benjamin Harrison
Explanation: President Benjamin Harrison nominated Henry Billings Brown to the Supreme Court of the United States in 1890.
What does the title 'Associate Justice' signify for Henry Billings Brown's role on the Supreme Court?
Answer: He was a judge who served alongside the Chief Justice.
Explanation: An Associate Justice is a judge who sits on the Supreme Court alongside the Chief Justice, participating in the Court's deliberations and decisions.
Justice Henry Billings Brown is primarily remembered for writing the dissenting opinion in the landmark case of Brown v. Board of Education.
Answer: False
Explanation: Justice Henry Billings Brown is primarily remembered for authoring the majority opinion in *Plessy v. Ferguson*, not for a dissenting opinion in *Brown v. Board of Education*. The latter case overturned the doctrine established in *Plessy*.
The 'separate but equal' doctrine, established by Plessy v. Ferguson, mandated that racial segregation was unconstitutional.
Answer: False
Explanation: The assertion is incorrect. The *Plessy v. Ferguson* decision established and legitimized the 'separate but equal' doctrine, which upheld the constitutionality of racial segregation in public facilities, thereby undermining civil rights advancements.
The Plessy v. Ferguson case centered on segregation laws related to public transportation in Louisiana.
Answer: True
Explanation: The landmark case of *Plessy v. Ferguson* originated from a challenge to a Louisiana state law that mandated separate railway cars for passengers based on race.
Justice Brown argued in Plessy v. Ferguson that racial separation inherently stamped the Black race with a badge of inferiority.
Answer: False
Explanation: In his majority opinion for *Plessy v. Ferguson*, Justice Brown contended that racial separation did not inherently impose a badge of inferiority upon the Black race, attributing any such perception to the interpretation of the law by the Black community itself.
The Plessy v. Ferguson decision reinforced the legislative gains made during the Reconstruction Era concerning civil rights.
Answer: False
Explanation: The *Plessy v. Ferguson* decision significantly undermined and effectively reversed many of the civil rights protections established during the Reconstruction Era by legitimizing racial segregation.
Which landmark Supreme Court case is Justice Henry Billings Brown most controversially known for writing the majority opinion?
Answer: Plessy v. Ferguson
Explanation: Justice Henry Billings Brown is most notably, and controversially, known for authoring the majority opinion in the Supreme Court case of *Plessy v. Ferguson* (1896).
What legal doctrine was established by the Supreme Court's decision in Plessy v. Ferguson?
Answer: The 'separate but equal' doctrine
Explanation: The Supreme Court's decision in *Plessy v. Ferguson* established and legitimized the 'separate but equal' doctrine, which held that racial segregation in public facilities was constitutional.
Which later Supreme Court case effectively overturned the 'separate but equal' doctrine established in Plessy v. Ferguson?
Answer: Brown v. Board of Education
Explanation: The landmark Supreme Court case of *Brown v. Board of Education* (1954) effectively overturned the 'separate but equal' doctrine previously upheld in *Plessy v. Ferguson*.
Which case involved a challenge to a Louisiana law mandating separate railway cars for different races?
Answer: Plessy v. Ferguson
Explanation: The case of *Plessy v. Ferguson* directly addressed the constitutionality of a Louisiana law requiring separate railway accommodations for individuals of different races.
In his Plessy v. Ferguson opinion, Justice Brown argued that the stigma of inferiority associated with racial separation was:
Answer: Solely attributable to the Black race's interpretation of the law.
Explanation: Justice Brown's majority opinion in *Plessy v. Ferguson* posited that any perceived stigma of inferiority resulting from racial separation was not inherent in the law itself but rather a construction placed upon it by the Black community.
Which statement best describes the impact of the Plessy v. Ferguson decision on Reconstruction Era achievements?
Answer: It legitimized segregation, undermining earlier civil rights gains.
Explanation: The *Plessy v. Ferguson* decision significantly undermined Reconstruction Era achievements by legitimizing racial segregation, thereby eroding earlier civil rights protections and paving the way for Jim Crow laws.
Justice Brown consistently advocated for significant government intervention in business affairs.
Answer: False
Explanation: Justice Brown generally favored limited government intervention in business affairs, although he did support government power in specific instances, such as upholding an eight-hour workday for miners and the constitutionality of a federal income tax.
In the case of Pollock v. Farmers' Loan & Trust Co., Justice Brown supported the constitutionality of a federal income tax.
Answer: True
Explanation: Contrary to a general inclination against extensive government intervention, Justice Brown's opinion in *Pollock v. Farmers' Loan & Trust Co.* supported the constitutionality of a federal income tax.
Justice Brown authored the Court's opinions in two key cases within the Insular Cases series decided in 1901.
Answer: True
Explanation: Justice Brown played a significant role in the Insular Cases, authoring the Court's opinions in *DeLima v. Bidwell* and *Downes v. Bidwell*, which addressed the constitutional status of territories acquired by the United States.
In Hale v. Henkel, Justice Brown's majority opinion focused on limiting the powers of the grand jury.
Answer: False
Explanation: In *Hale v. Henkel*, Justice Brown's majority opinion clarified and affirmed the broad powers of the grand jury, rather than limiting them.
Justice Brown was the sole dissenter in the case of United States v. Wong Kim Ark, which affirmed birthright citizenship.
Answer: False
Explanation: Justice Brown was part of the majority in *United States v. Wong Kim Ark*, which affirmed birthright citizenship. He was the sole dissenter in a different case, *Ward v. Race Horse*.
Justice Brown's joining the majority opinion in Lochner v. New York exemplified his general judicial philosophy regarding:
Answer: Government intervention in business affairs
Explanation: Justice Brown's concurrence in the majority opinion of *Lochner v. New York*, which struck down a law limiting working hours, exemplified his general judicial philosophy favoring limited government intervention in business affairs.
The Insular Cases addressed the constitutional status of what?
Answer: Territories acquired by the U.S. after the Spanish-American War
Explanation: The Insular Cases were a series of Supreme Court decisions that examined the constitutional framework and governance applicable to territories annexed by the United States following the Spanish-American War.
Justice Brown authored the majority opinion in Hale v. Henkel, which clarified the powers of which legal body?
Answer: The Grand Jury
Explanation: In the case of *Hale v. Henkel*, Justice Brown's majority opinion provided significant clarification regarding the extensive powers vested in the grand jury.
In the case of Ward v. Race Horse, Justice Brown was the sole dissenter, arguing in favor of:
Answer: Tribal hunting rights granted by treaty.
Explanation: Justice Brown dissented alone in *Ward v. Race Horse*, advocating for the recognition of tribal hunting rights established by treaty, which he believed should supersede state regulations.
The ruling in United States v. Wong Kim Ark, which Justice Brown supported, affirmed what principle?
Answer: Citizenship for children born in the U.S. to foreign parents.
Explanation: The Supreme Court's decision in *United States v. Wong Kim Ark*, supported by Justice Brown, affirmed the principle of birthright citizenship for individuals born within the United States, irrespective of their parents' nationality.
What legal code was central to the investigation in Hale v. Henkel, where Justice Brown wrote the majority opinion?
Answer: The Sherman Antitrust Act
Explanation: The case of *Hale v. Henkel* involved investigations conducted under the Sherman Antitrust Act, a pivotal piece of legislation aimed at regulating monopolies and promoting competition.
In the case of Giles v. Harris, Justice Brown joined a dissent arguing that Black Americans should have the right to:
Answer: Seek federal court intervention against voter suppression.
Explanation: Justice Brown was among the justices who dissented in *Giles v. Harris*, arguing that Black Americans ought to possess the right to seek redress in federal courts concerning voter suppression tactics.
Henry Billings Brown's personal diaries suggest he was consistently cheerful and optimistic throughout his life.
Answer: False
Explanation: Henry Billings Brown's personal diaries, spanning from his college years to his federal judgeship, indicate periods of depression and self-doubt, contradicting the notion of consistent cheerfulness and optimism.
Justice Brown received honorary doctoral degrees from both the University of Michigan and Yale University.
Answer: True
Explanation: Both the University of Michigan and Yale University recognized Justice Brown's contributions to the legal field by awarding him honorary doctoral degrees.
Justice Brown viewed his Supreme Court position as less prestigious but more congenial to his tastes than his previous role as a district judge.
Answer: False
Explanation: Justice Brown's own reflections indicated that he considered the Supreme Court position to be of greater dignity and financial reward, and more gratifying to his ambition, than his prior role as a district judge, even if the duties were not as personally congenial.
Justice Brown advocated strongly in favor of women's suffrage in a 1910 address.
Answer: False
Explanation: In his 1910 address titled 'Woman Suffrage,' Justice Brown argued against the extension of voting rights to women, positing that suffrage was not an inherent natural right.
Justice Brown's legacy is primarily defined by his contributions to admiralty law scholarship.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Justice Brown had expertise in admiralty law, his legacy is predominantly defined by his role as the author of the majority opinion in the highly controversial *Plessy v. Ferguson* decision.
During Elena Kagan's confirmation hearings, she correctly identified Justice Henry Billings Brown as a key figure in civil rights jurisprudence.
Answer: False
Explanation: During her 2010 confirmation hearings, Elena Kagan admitted to not recognizing the name Justice Henry Billings Brown, a statement that drew commentary due to Brown's significant, albeit controversial, role in jurisprudence.
There are numerous public statues and dedicated buildings honoring Henry Billings Brown across the United States.
Answer: False
Explanation: Public honors for Henry Billings Brown are notably scarce. Apart from a Liberty Ship and a monument, there are few, if any, public statues, named schools, or buildings dedicated to his memory.
The Latin epitaph on Henry Billings Brown's tomb translates to 'A life dedicated to justice and equality for all.'
Answer: False
Explanation: The Latin epitaph on Justice Brown's tomb, 'Integer vitae scelerisque purus,' translates from Horace as 'Upright of life and free of wickedness,' signifying a characterization of his moral standing rather than a specific dedication to justice and equality for all.
Which of the following universities awarded Henry Billings Brown an honorary doctoral degree?
Answer: University of Michigan
Explanation: The University of Michigan conferred an honorary doctoral degree upon Justice Henry Billings Brown in 1887.
What physical ailment significantly impacted Justice Brown's ability to serve towards the end of his judicial career?
Answer: Declining eyesight
Explanation: Towards the conclusion of his tenure on the Supreme Court, Justice Henry Billings Brown experienced a marked decline in his eyesight, which impeded his capacity to continue his judicial duties effectively.
In his 1910 address 'Woman Suffrage,' what position did Justice Brown take?
Answer: He argued against extending the right to vote to women.
Explanation: In his 1910 address titled 'Woman Suffrage,' Justice Brown articulated a position against granting women the right to vote, contending that suffrage was not an inherent right.
How is Justice Brown's legacy often characterized, particularly in relation to the Plessy v. Ferguson decision?
Answer: As a legal technician whose legacy is overshadowed by Plessy.
Explanation: Justice Henry Billings Brown is frequently characterized as a proficient legal technician, whose professional legacy is profoundly overshadowed by his majority opinion in the *Plessy v. Ferguson* case.
What did Elena Kagan admit during her 2010 Supreme Court confirmation hearings regarding Justice Henry Billings Brown?
Answer: She had never heard of him before.
Explanation: During her 2010 Supreme Court confirmation hearings, Elena Kagan acknowledged that she did not recognize the name Justice Henry Billings Brown.
Which of the following is notably absent among public honors for Henry Billings Brown?
Answer: Statues or named schools and buildings
Explanation: While a Liberty Ship and a cemetery monument exist, public honors such as statues, named schools, or buildings dedicated to Henry Billings Brown are notably absent.
What does the Latin epitaph 'Integer vitae scelerisque purus' on Justice Brown's tomb signify?
Answer: His characterization as 'Upright of life and free of wickedness.'
Explanation: The Latin epitaph 'Integer vitae scelerisque purus,' found on Justice Brown's tomb, translates to 'Upright of life and free of wickedness,' signifying a desired characterization of his moral integrity.
The New York Times obituary for Justice Brown highlighted his reputation on the Supreme Court for:
Answer: His strict impartiality and courtesy.
Explanation: The New York Times obituary noted Justice Brown's reputation on the Supreme Court for maintaining strict impartiality and demonstrating courtesy towards legal counsel.
Justice Brown's former residence in Washington, D.C. is now the embassy of the Republic of the Congo.
Answer: True
Explanation: The mansion Justice Brown had constructed in Washington, D.C. now serves as the embassy for the Republic of the Congo, a detail often noted for its historical irony.
Henry Billings Brown died in Detroit, Michigan, and is buried there.
Answer: False
Explanation: Henry Billings Brown passed away in Bronxville, New York, and is interred in Elmwood Cemetery in Detroit, Michigan.
What is considered ironic about Justice Brown's former residence in Washington, D.C. today?
Answer: It now serves as the embassy of the Republic of the Congo.
Explanation: The former residence of Justice Brown in Washington, D.C., now functions as the embassy for the Republic of the Congo, a circumstance often noted for its historical irony given Brown's jurisprudence on race.