In a recent e-mail sent to his Justice Jackson e-mail list, Professor John Barrett recounts an interesting exchange between Justice Jackson and his former co-worker Bernard Meltzer, by then a law professor at the University of Chicago. Meltzer, who recently passed away at the age of 92, had written an article criticizing Justice Jackson’s opinion in Stein v. New York. Meltzer sent Justice Jackson a reprint, and Justice Jackson replied in a letter:
Dear Bernie,
I have just read your comment on Stein v New York for
the writing of which it was my ill luck to be assigned. It seemed to
me one of those that can have no fully satisfactory answer. I wish I
had your comments before writing. But I think you have done a
very fair, instructive and constructive job on the case.
Thanks for the reprint. With my best wishes
Sincerely
Robert Jackson
Pretty cool. Incidentally, I recommend Barrett’s list to those interested in Justice Jackson. You can see a partial set of archives here, and you can sign up for free by e-mailing Professor Barrett at barrettj at stjohns.edu.