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People of the Revolutionary War | Patriots of the American Revolution | Samuel Chase
Samuel Chase
Image: Courtesy of Independence National Historical Park
When Republicans under Thomas Jefferson led an impeachment attack against
Samuel Chase, an associate justice of the United States Supreme Court, the agenda was clearly political. The
outcome of Chase's trial would largely determine whether the judiciary could remain independent. And the fly
in Jefferson's ointment would be his own vice president, Aaron Burr, who was
wanted in two states for the death of Alexander Hamilton.
Born in Princess Anne, Maryland, in 1741, Samuel Chase had served his country honorably. He held a seat in
both the Maryland assembly and the Continental Congress. He was a
signer of the Declaration of Independence. Before being appointed
to the Supreme Court by George Washington, Chase had been chief judge
of the Maryland General Court. A Federalist, Chase believed in a strong central government. But in his
decisions, he also reflected a concern for the rights of individuals with due process under the law.
President Thomas Jefferson, leader of the Republicans, disliked the idea of judges being appointed for
life. He feared that under such a system, the judiciary might become too powerful. And when Samuel Chase
expressed Federalist opinions from the bench, Jefferson encouraged the House of Representatives to impeach
him.
Chase's trial would serve as an important test case. Could a judge be impeached for expressing unpopular
opinions? Or did a judge need to be guilty of crimes in order to be impeached? Jefferson was eager to have
the question answered. If he could impeach Chase easily, other Federalist judges, notably Chief Justice of
the Supreme Court John Marshall, would probably follow.
In March, 1805, when Chase's trial began in the United States Senate, the Republicans were in control of the
government. But much to their surprise, Chase kept his post, thanks largely to Vice President Aaron Burr, a
Republican. Burr was wanted for the shooting of Alexander Hamilton, but he was immune from prosecution in
Washington, DC. And presiding over an impeachment was his duty as vice president.
Although many senators looked upon the impeachment trial as something akin to a kangaroo court, Burr conducted
the trial in a manner that was remarkable for its order and decorum. He gave Chase's lawyer, Luther Martin,
the opportunity to present a complete defense of his client. In short, Burr prevented Chase from being
railroaded, and in the end, Chase was acquitted.
If Jefferson was angered to find his impeachment plans foiled, Chase was relieved -- as was Chief Justice
Marshall. When Aaron Burr was tried for treason two years later, Marshall would be on the bench, and Luther
Martin would be Burr's attorney. Both men would remember what Aaron Burr had done for them.
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