50 Facts About Merrick Garland

Early Life and Education

Merrick Garland's journey to becoming a prominent figure in the U.S. legal system began with his early life and education.

1. Born on November 13, 1952, in Chicago, Illinois, Merrick Brian Garland grew up in the northern suburb of Lincolnwood.
2. Garland's parents, Cyril and Shirley Garland, were of Jewish descent, with roots tracing back to Eastern Europe.
3. He attended Niles West High School, where he excelled academically and participated in debate.
4. Garland graduated as valedictorian of his high school class in 1970.
5. He went on to Harvard University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Studies, graduating summa cum laude in 1974.
6. At Harvard, Garland wrote his senior thesis on industrial mergers in Britain during the 1960s.
7. He was a member of the Harvard Crimson, the university's daily newspaper, and served as its president in his senior year.
8. Garland continued his education at Harvard Law School, where he earned his Juris Doctor degree magna cum laude in 1977.
9. During law school, he was a member of the Harvard Law Review, serving as articles editor.

Early Career

Garland's early career laid the foundation for his future roles in the judiciary.

10. After law school, Garland clerked for Judge Henry J. Friendly of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.
11. He then clerked for Justice William J. Brennan Jr. of the U.S. Supreme Court from 1978 to 1979.
12. Garland worked as a special assistant to U.S. Attorney General Benjamin Civiletti from 1979 to 1981.
13. He joined the law firm Arnold & Porter in Washington, D.C., where he became a partner in 1985.
14. Garland left private practice to become an assistant U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia in 1989.
15. He prosecuted cases involving public corruption, drug trafficking, and fraud during his tenure as an assistant U.S. attorney.
16. Garland returned to Arnold & Porter in 1992 but left again in 1993 to join the U.S. Department of Justice.

Role in the Oklahoma City Bombing Case

One of Garland's most notable contributions came during the investigation of the Oklahoma City bombing.

17. In 1995, Garland was appointed as the principal associate deputy attorney general.
18. He oversaw the federal response to the Oklahoma City bombing, which killed 168 people.
19. Garland coordinated the investigation and prosecution of Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols, the perpetrators of the bombing.
20. His work on the case earned him widespread recognition and praise for his dedication and thoroughness.

Judicial Career

Garland's judicial career has been marked by significant rulings and a reputation for fairness.

21. In 1997, President Bill Clinton nominated Garland to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
22. The Senate confirmed his nomination by a vote of 76-23.
23. Garland has served on the D.C. Circuit since 1997, becoming its chief judge in 2013.
24. He is known for his meticulous and moderate judicial philosophy.
25. Garland has written numerous opinions on administrative law, antitrust law, and national security issues.
26. He has a reputation for building consensus among his colleagues on the bench.
27. Garland has been praised for his legal acumen and ability to handle complex cases.

Nomination to the Supreme Court

Garland's nomination to the Supreme Court was a significant moment in his career.

28. In 2016, President Barack Obama nominated Garland to the U.S. Supreme Court to fill the vacancy left by Justice Antonin Scalia's death.
29. Despite his qualifications, the Republican-controlled Senate refused to hold hearings or a vote on his nomination.
30. Garland's nomination expired in January 2017, when the 114th Congress adjourned.

Attorney General of the United States

Garland's career took another significant turn when he was appointed as the U.S. Attorney General.

31. In January 2021, President Joe Biden announced Garland as his nominee for U.S. Attorney General.
32. The Senate confirmed Garland's nomination on March 10, 2021, by a vote of 70-30.
33. As Attorney General, Garland has focused on issues such as civil rights, domestic terrorism, and voting rights.
34. He has emphasized the importance of restoring public trust in the Department of Justice.
35. Garland has also prioritized addressing the rise in hate crimes and ensuring accountability for the January 6 Capitol attack.

Personal Life

Garland's personal life provides insight into the man behind the public figure.

36. Garland married Lynn Rosenman in 1987, and they have two daughters, Rebecca and Jessica.
37. His wife, Lynn, is a Harvard graduate and a former staffer for the U.S. Agency for International Development.
38. Garland is known for his love of literature and often quotes classic works in his speeches and writings.
39. He is an avid runner and has participated in several marathons.
40. Garland is also a dedicated fan of the Chicago Cubs and enjoys attending games when possible.

Awards and Recognition

Garland's contributions to law and justice have earned him numerous accolades.

41. He received the Thurgood Marshall Award from the District of Columbia Bar in 2014.
42. Garland was awarded the Edward J. Devitt Distinguished Service to Justice Award in 2018.
43. He has been recognized by various legal organizations for his commitment to public service and the rule of law.
44. Garland's work on the Oklahoma City bombing case earned him the Attorney General's Distinguished Service Award.

Interesting Facts

Some lesser-known facts about Garland add depth to his profile.

45. Garland's maternal grandparents fled anti-Semitic pogroms in Russia and settled in the United States.
46. He has a reputation for being a meticulous note-taker, often filling multiple notebooks during trials and hearings.
47. Garland once considered a career in medicine before deciding to pursue law.
48. He has a deep appreciation for classical music and often attends concerts at the Kennedy Center.
49. Garland's colleagues describe him as humble, hardworking, and deeply committed to justice.
50. Despite his high-profile career, Garland maintains a low-key and private personal life.

Merrick Garland: A Life of Service

Merrick Garland's journey through law and justice showcases his dedication to public service. From his early days as a clerk to his pivotal role in the Oklahoma City bombing case, Garland's career reflects a commitment to fairness and integrity. His tenure as Chief Judge of the D.C. Circuit Court further solidified his reputation as a thoughtful and balanced jurist.

Garland's nomination to the Supreme Court in 2016, though blocked, highlighted his bipartisan appeal. As Attorney General, he's faced significant challenges, including addressing domestic terrorism and civil rights issues. Garland's leadership style emphasizes meticulousness and a deep respect for the rule of law.

His story is a testament to perseverance and dedication. Whether in the courtroom or the Justice Department, Garland's impact on American law and justice remains profound. His legacy will undoubtedly influence future generations of legal minds.