James M. Wayne
James M. Wayne (1790–1867) was a prominent American lawyer and jurist who played an influential role in the legal landscape of the early 19th century. After beginning his legal career in 1810, he served in various political capacities, including as a member of the Georgia legislature and as mayor of Savannah. In 1828, Wayne was elected to Congress, and he was later nominated to the U.S. Supreme Court by President Andrew Jackson in 1835, where he served until his death.
Wayne was known for his significant contributions to admiralty law, with notable opinions in cases such as Waring v. Clarke, which expanded federal authority over commerce on inland waterways. He also participated in the controversial Scott v. Sandford case, siding with the majority opinion that limited the federal government's power over slavery in new territories. Despite being a Southerner, Wayne supported the Union during the Civil War, affirming President Lincoln's right to blockade Confederate ports in the Prize Cases. After the war, he opposed punitive measures against former Confederates, showcasing a complex legal and political legacy during a tumultuous era in American history.
Subject Terms
James M. Wayne
Nominated by: Andrew Jackson
Significance: An expert in admiralty law, Wayne helped expand the power of the federal government over waterborne commerce as a Supreme Court justice. Although a Southerner and a defender of slavery, he supported the Union during the Civil War.
Wayne began practicing law in 1810, served in the Georgia legislature from 1815 to 1817, and was mayor of Savannah from 1817 to 1819. He served as a local and state judge from 1819 to 1828, when he was elected to Congress. He was nominated to the Supreme Court by President Andrew Jackson on January 6, 1835, confirmed by the Senate on January 9, and sworn in five days later.
Wayne’s written opinions often dealt with admiralty law. In Waring v. Clarke (1847), he wrote the majority opinion, expanding federal authority over ocean commerce to include major inland waterways.
In Scott v. Sandford (1857), Wayne agreed with the majority that the federal government had no power to limit slavery in new territories. Despite this decision and although a Southerner, he later supported the Union during the Civil War (1861-1865). In the Prize Cases (1863), he agreed with the majority that President Abraham Lincoln had the authority to order a blockade of Confederate ports before Congress declared war. After the war, he opposed laws intended to punish former Confederates, in cases such as Cummings v. Missouri (1867).