Edward King
Edward King was a prominent legal figure in the 19th century, known for his career in Philadelphia's judiciary before his nomination to the United States Supreme Court. He began his judicial journey as the clerk of the Philadelphia orphans' court in 1824 and quickly rose to president judge of the Philadelphia court of common pleas the following year. In this role, King made a name for himself as a competent jurist, focusing on equity jurisdiction and advocating for reforms in Pennsylvania’s criminal code. In June 1844, he was nominated to the Supreme Court by President John Tyler, but the Senate postponed and ultimately tabled his nomination. Despite further attempts by Tyler to advance King's nomination, including a resubmission in December 1844, the Senate again did not act, leading to Tyler's withdrawal of the nomination in February 1845. Following this, King continued his judicial career in Philadelphia, serving in his role until 1852. His story reflects the complexities of judicial nominations and the interactions between the executive and legislative branches during that era.
Subject Terms
Edward King
Nominated by: John Tyler
Significance: King was a prominent Pennsylvania jurist who was twice nominated for a seat on the Supreme Court by President John Tyler. The Senate declined both nominations because of Tyler’s failure to gain adequate support from the Democrats and the Whigs.
Before being nominated to the Supreme Court by President John Tyler, King developed a successful legal and judicial career in Philadelphia. In 1824 he was named clerk of the Philadelphia orphans’ court and, the next year, advanced to the position of president judge of the Philadelphia court of common pleas. In that capacity, King developed a reputation as a competent jurist, became identified with equity jurisdiction, and advocated the reform of the expanding criminal code of the Commonwealth. In June, 1844, King was nominated by Tyler to fill a vacant seat on the Supreme Court. The leadership of the Senate postponed a decision, effectively terminating the nomination. In December, 1844, Tyler resubmitted King’s nomination; again, the Senate tabled the nomination. Despite rejoinders for action, Tyler, who recognized that the Senate would prevail, withdrew the King nomination in February, 1845. At that time Tyler nominated John M. Read, also of Pennsylvania; that nomination also failed. King returned to his judicial life in Philadelphia and served as president of the Philadelphia court of common pleas until 1852.