EP. 137: The First Chief Justice (sort of)

About this episode

This episode explores the life and contributions of Chief Justice John Hemphill, the first Chief Justice of the Republic of Texas.

The Republic of Texas Congress formed the first state Supreme Court in 1836. However, the Court really didn’t meet in any significant way until 1840 under the leadership of Chief Justice John Hemphill. Being Chief Justice was a little different then. It meant fighting Indians, mastering Spanish law, and even leading an expedition to invade Mexico! Chief Justice John Hemphill did it all. Learn more about one of Texas’ greatest jurists in this episode of Wise About Texas.

Topics covered

• history
• law
• Texas history
• government
• culture

Keywords

• Chief Justice
• John Hemphill
• Republic of Texas
• Supreme Court
• Spanish law
• invade Mexico
• fighting Indians
• Texas jurists

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Wise About Texas

Places: Mexico, Texas

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