Supreme Court Justice John Marshall Harlan, 1907 Portrait

This photographic print features John Marshall Harlan, a prominent United States Supreme Court Justice, captured on November 30, 1907, by Bain News Service. Harlan, who served on the Court from 1877 to 1911, is often remembered for his strong opinions on civil rights and his commitment to upholding individual liberties. His notable dissent in the landmark case Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) argued against the constitutionality of racial segregation, voicing his belief that the Constitution should guarantee equality before the law for all citizens, regardless of race.

Harlan was born in 1833 in Kentucky and had a distinguished career before joining the Supreme Court, including serving as the Attorney General of Kentucky. His tenure on the bench was marked by a firm belief in the Constitution as a living document that should reflect justice for all people. He played a crucial role in shaping the legal landscape of the United States during a time of significant social change. The photograph serves as a reminder of his enduring legacy and the ongoing struggle for civil rights in America.