Massachusetts
A “Safety-Valve” Theory of Judicial Independence
Massachusetts was among the most consequential of the original thirteen states. Many of the events that led to the Declaration of Independence took place there: the Boston Massacre, the Boston Tea Party, and the shot heard—around the world—to mention three that have become American folklore. Massachusetts was also home to a number of the most influential figures in early American history: William Bradford, John Winthrop, James Otis, and John Adams. Most important for present purposes, Massachusetts, through the determined efforts of John Adams, played a leading role in the origins of an independent judiciary in the United States. This chapter chronicles the genesis of Adams's idea in Massachusetts.
Keywords: John Adams, independent judiciary, judicial power, William Bradford, Massachusetts, John Winthrop, James Otis
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