Interview with Albert B. Maris, August 17, 1976

Interview Summary

After briefly mentioning Fred Vinson's career before he joined the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals of the District of Columbia, Judge Albert Maris begins by giving his impression of Vinson's relationships with the various judges on the Court of Appeals. Maris gives his opinion of why Vinson was named to the U.S. Emergency Court of Appeals by Chief Justice Harlan Stone. He then goes on to discuss establishing rules with Vinson for the Emergency Court and Vinson's reluctance to let the court travel. Maris provides his view of Vinson's effectiveness on the court. At various times throughout the interview, he describes the way the emergency court functioned. A case that he dissented with Vinson about is discussed. Maris talks about Vinson's appointment to the Office of Economic Stabilization by Harry S. Truman and working on a fact-finding panel for Vinson during this time. He gives his opinion of Vinson's appointment by Truman to the position of chief justice of the Supreme Court. Maris talks about working with Vinson on the Judicial Conference of the U.S. and Vinson's effectiveness as chairman. This leads into a discussion of Vinson's ability to bring together a divisive Court. The interviewee then discloses his opinion on Vinson's career as chief justice.

Interview Keyword

Fred M. Vinson Politics and government United States Government U.S. Court of Appeals U.S. Emergency Court of Appeals Judicial Conference of the United States Chief Justice Supreme Court World War II

Interview LC Subject

Law and legislation Judges Justices World War, 1939-1945

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.