Walter Smith Cox
Born 10/25/1826 · Died 6/25/1902
Judicial Career
- judDCD3/1/1879 – 7/1/1899
Biography
Walter Smith Cox
For other people with the same name, see Walter Cox .
Walter Smith Cox (October 25, 1826 – June 25, 1902) was an associate justice of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia .
Contents
Education and career
(https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Walter_Smith_Cox&action=edit§ion=1 "Edit section: Education and career")
Born in Georgetown , then a separate municipality in the District of Columbia , Cox received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Georgetown University in 1843, a Master of Arts degree from the same institution in 1844, and a Bachelor of Laws from Harvard Law School in 1847. He was in private practice in Washington, D.C. from 1848 to 1879, and during that period was also a recorder for the City of Georgetown, an Alderman for the City of Georgetown, and an auditor of the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia . From 1874 to 1879, he was a professor of law at what was then called Columbian University , known today as George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
On April 16, 1868, Cox testified in the impeachment trial of President Andrew Johnson , having been called as a witness by Johnson's defense team.
Federal judicial service
(https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Walter_Smith_Cox&action=edit§ion=2 "Edit section: Federal judicial service")
Cox was nominated by President Rutherford B. Hayes on February 26, 1879, to the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia (now the United States District Court for the District of Columbia ), to a new associate justice seat authorized by 20 Stat. 320. He was confirmed by the United States Senate on March 1, 1879, and received his commission the same day. His service terminated on July 1, 1899, due to his retirement.
During Cox's service, he presided over the trial of Charles J. Guiteau , who was convicted of the assassination of President James A. Garfield .
Later career and death
(https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Walter_Smith_Cox&action=edit§ion=3 "Edit section: Later career and death")
Following his retirement from the federal bench, Cox resumed teaching as a professor of law at George Washington University from 1899 to 1902. He died on June 25, 1902, in Washington, D.C.
References
(https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Walter_Smith_Cox&action=edit§ion=4 "Edit section: References")
-
Walter Smith Cox at the _Biographical Directory of Federal Judges _, a publication of the Federal Judicial Center .
↑ Extracts from the Journal of the United States Senate In All Cases of Impeachment Presented By The United States House of Representatives (1798-1904) . Congressional serial set. Washington Government Printing Office. 1912. p. 272.
↑ "IMPEACHMENT.; Testimony of Walter S. Cox and Richard T. Merrick. Continuation of the Case for the Defence. Proceedings in the Case of Secretary Stanton Againstt Gen. Thomas" . The New York Times. 17 April 1868. Retrieved 6 April 2022.
Sources
(https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Walter_Smith_Cox&action=edit§ion=5 "Edit section: Sources")
- Walter Smith Cox at the _Biographical Directory of Federal Judges _, a publication of the Federal Judicial Center .
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Walter_Smith_Cox&oldid=1348706241 "
Biographical content from Wikipedia (CC-BY-SA 4.0).
Recent opinions
View all →- William Frederick Bennett v. State Farm InsuranceMay 20, 2026
- State of Louisiana v. Damion CainMay 20, 2026
- State of Louisiana v. Damion CainMay 20, 2026
- Donna B. Anglin and Robert B. Anglin v. Christus Schumpert Highland Health SystemMay 20, 2026
- Stevie Michael Holmes v. Replacement Parts Inc. and Zurich American Insurance CompanyMay 20, 2026
Matches based on last-name occurrence in the case's judges field; broader than authored-opinions.
Sourced from CourtListener people-db (CC0).
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.