Chief Justice John Marshall (John Marshall)

Chief Justice John Marshall served as the fourth Chief Justice of the United States from 1801 to 1835. He played a crucial role in shaping American law and the judicial system, establishing the principle of judicial review, which allows the Supreme Court to declare laws unconstitutional. Marshall's decisions reinforced the power of the federal government and helped define the balance between state and federal authority. His landmark cases, including Marbury v. Madison, laid the foundation for the Supreme Court's role in American democracy, making him one of the most influential figures in U.S. history.