William Cushing - His work with state and federal constitutions, Washington's first appointee

Judge, born in Scituate, Massachusetts, USA. Originally a judge for the English crown, he supported the American Revolution and became a prominent judge in Massachusetts (1777–89). He was the first associate justice appointed by President George Washington to the US Supreme Court (1790–1810).

William Cushing (March 1, 1732–September 13, 1810) was an early associate justice of the United States Supreme Court, from its inception to his death. unlike the rest of the court, he chose the U.S.

His work with state and federal constitutions

In 1783, Cushing presided over a criminal action that virtually abolished slavery in Massachusetts, citing the 1780 Constitution of Massachusetts's statement that "all men are born free and equal".

Washington's first appointee

When George Washington became President of the United States, his first appointee to the Supreme Court was Cushing.

When John Jay resigned from the Court in 1795, Washington had to appoint a new Chief Justice. Remarkably, although Cushing likely was present in Philadelphia (the temporary capital) during these events, he was unaware of the nomination until Washington introduced him as "Chief Justice" at a dinner party.

Cushing received the commission and, on February 3 and 4, apparently sat as Chief Justice during sessions of the Court. (Washington then appointed Oliver Ellsworth as Chief Justice, transmitting the nomination to the Senate in a message saying that the nominee would replace "William Cushing, resigned.") Subsequent histories of the Court have not counted Cushing as a Chief Justice, but instead report that he declined the appointment.