Essay by Joel Wm. Friedman
He is, quite simply, the most illustrious graduate in the one hundred and fifty-two year history of Tulane Law School. In a professional life that spanned nearly seventy years—from his law school graduation on June 12, 1929, until his passing on May 15, 1999, just two days short of his ninety-fourth birthday and one day before the eightieth anniversary of his own father's passing—John Minor Wisdom left an indelible mark on the history and legal culture of his city, state, region, and nation.
A man of towering intellect, steadfast conviction, and unwavering integrity, Wisdom's multilayered career as attorney, soldier, political activist, scholar, teacher, legislative draftsman, and, most notably, judge, produced a wide-ranging, and, in many regards, revolutionary impact on the American political and legal landscape. Though born to a family of privilege and social position, John Wisdom had a keen awareness of the obstacles faced by those who, unlike him, did not inherit or otherwise have unfettered access to the bounties of life. Instead of blindly following convention and selfishly promoting personal advantage, Wisdom courageously pursued his sincerely and deeply felt commitment to the principles of fair play and equality under the law. And, in so doing, he dramatically and permanently altered the lives of millions of Americans, a feat made more remarkable when considered in relation to the normal expectations of someone of his breeding and background. For these reasons, history will recognize this New Orleans born-and-bred son of the Old South as one of the primary architects of the New South.
No modest essay of this type can purport to encapsulate the varied dimensions of Judge Wisdom's life. Instead, one can hope only to remind those already familiar with his legacy and to inform future generations about the most salient characteristics and accomplishments of this gregarious, self-effacing, and humor-embracing man who gave so much of himself to the law and nation that he loved. Accordingly, this Essay is intended only to reflect on the nature of the man as well as on the scope and quality of his accomplishments. And although a biographer is supposed to bring an unbiased perspective towards his or her subject, it is impossible for anyone who has had the great fortune to spend a significant amount of time with Judge Wisdom not to view him with varying degrees of awe and reverence. In point of fact, everyone who has written about his contribution to the legal order has properly characterized Wisdom in heroic terms. And, certainly, the opportunity that I have enjoyed over the past twenty years to spend an increasing amount of time with Judge Wisdom, particularly during the last five years of his life, has convinced me that these accolades are both accurate and deserving.
About the Author
Joel Wm. Friedman. Professor of Law, Tulane University School of Law.
Citation
74 Tul. L. Rev. 1 (1999)