Benjamin Cardozo - Definition and Overview

Benjamin Nathan Cardozo (May 24, 1870–July 9, 1938) was a distinguished American jurist who is remembered not only for his landmark decisions on negligence but also his modesty and philosophy.

Cardozo began his career in New York, rising to the post of Associate Judge and later Chief Judge of the New York Court of Appeals, New York's highest court.

Then President Herbert Hoover appointed Chief Judge Cardozo to the US Supreme Court to succeed Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes. He was the second Jew, after Louis Brandeis, to be appointed to the Supreme Court.

Cardozo's opinion of himself shows somewhat of the same flair as his opinions:
In truth, I am nothing but a plodding mediocrity--please observe, a plodding mediocrity--for a mere mediocrity does not go very far, but a plodding one gets quite a distance. There is joy in that success, and a distinction can come from courage, fidelity and industry.

Sites and Buildings Named After Benjamin Cardozo

• Cardozo High School in Queens, New York
• Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law at Yeshiva University
• Cardozo High School in Washington, DC
• U. St./African-American Civil War Memorial/Cardozo Metro Stop in Washington, DC