703003
Felix Frankfurter
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Felix Frankfurter, 1882-1965. Associate Justice, United States Supreme Court, 1939-1962. Typed Letter Signed, Felix Frankfurter, one page, octavo, on stationery of the Supreme Court of the United States, Washington, D.C., February 21, 1940.
Writing to Philip Rothschild just over a year after taking his seat on the Supreme Court, Frankfurter reluctantly, but politely, declines to comment on an issue: "Your are kind to invite my views . . . , and I regret much that my judicial office precludes the expression of opinions on matters which may, in some form or other, come before this Court for adjudication."
This letter shows the cautious side of Frankfurter. A Harvard law professor and New Deal liberal, he helped to found the American Civil Liberties Union, contributed early to The New Republic, and was active in Zionist causes. Ever the professor, he loved academic dialog and was never shy about proselytizing the other Justices in an effort to convert them to his views. Yet for years Frankfurter was the Court’s champion of judicial restraint.
When President Franklin D. Roosevelt had the opportunity to reshape the Supreme Court, he made Frankfurter his third appointment. At Harvard Frankfurter had been heavily involved in public affairs. Roosevelt sought Frankfurter’s advice as governor of New York and later, as President, often consulted him about the legal implications of New Deal legislation. FDR appointed Frankfurter to fill the seat previously held by Justice Benjamin N. Cardozo in January 1939.
Frankfurter has boldly signed this letter in black fountain pen. The letter has normal mailing folds, a diagonal crease across the upper left corner, and mounting stains, all well removed from the signature. Overall the letter is in fine condition.
Unframed.
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