One Justice, two Supreme Courts

Of the 153 people who have served on the Ohio Supreme Court over its 209-year history, only one has also served on the U.S. Supreme Court.

On February 20, 1816, John McLean began his term on the Ohio Supreme Court and served for nearly seven years.

For more than 31 years however, McLean served as a U.S. Supreme Court Justice until his death on April 4, 1861. Appointed by President Andrew Jackson, McLean wrote a number of anti-slavery opinions.

If you ever visit the Thomas J. Moyer Ohio Judicial Center, you can see a bronze portrait of McLean in the Grand Concourse on the first floor. After you enter the building and go through security, turn right to reach the Grand Concourse. Look up and it will be high on the wall above you.

To read McLean’s full biography, click on this link:
http://www.supremecourt.ohio.gov/SCO/formerjustices/bios/mclean.asp.