John William Wallace (February 17, 1815 – January 12, 1884)[1] was an American lawyer and the seventh reporter of decisions of the United States Supreme Court, serving from 1863 to 1874.
John William Wallace | |
|---|---|
.jpg) portrait by John Neagle | |
| Born | 1815  |
| Died | 1884 (aged 68–69) |
Born in Philadelphia, he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1833 and studied law under his father and John Sergeant. He was admitted to the Philadelphia bar in 1836.[2]
While librarian to the Law Association of Philadelphia, he compiled three volumes of decisions of the Third Circuit Court of Appeals,[3] which sat in that city. He wrote The Reporters on English reporters and cases, first as an article in the American Law Magazine (1844),[4] and then as a book in multiple editions (1845, 1855, 1882) that made his reputation.
His twenty-three volumes of reports of the Supreme Court's cases (volumes 68-90) are highly respected for their quality. He also served as president of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania (April 13, 1868 – January 12, 1884).[5]
Death
Wallace died in Philadelphia, his hometown, on January 12, 1884.[1]