Legislation1789
Federal Judiciary Established
Congress passed the Judiciary Act of 1789, establishing the federal court system including the Supreme Court with a Chief Justice and five Associate Justices, along with district and circuit courts. President Washington nominated John Jay as the first Chief Justice.
Why It Matters
The Judiciary Act created the third branch of government as a functioning institution, establishing the federal court structure that would become the guardian of constitutional rights and the rule of law.