William Paterson (jurist)

William Paterson (December 24, 1745–September 9, 1806) was a New Jersey statesman, a signer of the United States Constitution, and an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court.

Related Topics:
December 24 - 1745 - September 9 - 1806 - New Jersey - United States Constitution - United States Supreme Court

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William Paterson was born in County Antrim, now in Northern Ireland, moved to the United States at age 2, and entered Princeton University at age 14. After graduating he studied law with the prominent lawyer Richard Stockton and was admitted to the bar in 1768.

Related Topics:
County Antrim - Northern Ireland - United States - Princeton University - Richard Stockton - 1768

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Paterson became an outspoken supporter of American independence. He was selected as Somerset County, New Jersey, delegate for the first three provincial congresses of New Jersey, where as secretary he recorded New Jersey's constitution in 1776.

Related Topics:
Somerset County, New Jersey - 1776

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After Independence, Paterson was appointed New Jersey's first attorney general, maintaining law and order and establishing himself as the best lawyer in the state. He was sent to the 1787 Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia where he proposed the New Jersey Plan for unicameral legislative body with equal representation from each state. After the Great Compromise (for two legislative bodies), the Constitution was signed.

Related Topics:
1787 Constitutional Convention - Philadelphia - New Jersey Plan - Unicameral

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He served as governor of New Jersey and in the New Jersey state senate, where he oversaw the revision and codification of the entire state legal system. George Washington appointed him associate justice of the United States Supreme Court in 1793.

Related Topics:
George Washington - United States Supreme Court - 1793

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Paterson, New Jersey and William Paterson University are named after him.

Related Topics:
Paterson, New Jersey - William Paterson University

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