Sharing Meals Was Important To The Supreme Court

The Supreme court starts a new term today. In "John Marshall: Definer of a Nation"(1996) Jean Edward Smith discusses the remarkable years when Marshall served as Chief Justice 1801-1835. For the first 29 years, the justices were housed under one roof and ate their meals together for the 2 months which they assembled every year. And somehow these justices were able to come to consensus in ruling on some of the most important decisions that even today shape our laws. "That remarkable consensus established the reputation of the Supreme Court not only as the ultimate legal authority in the nation but as a body that was reliable, predictable, and definitive when it spoke." Then in 1830,for the first time, the justices were not housed together and did not eat their meals together. Marshall wrote his wife, "...we cannot carry on business as fast as usual." And for some reason "...the remarkable unity of the Marshall Court would soon splinter." Families can start right now reclaiming a regular dinner hour to celebrate the day talking together about the trials and the joys. Now that it's getting cool, try my easy Brunswick Stew in the slow cooker. Add some rolls and orange slices. Make your own important decisions and share home-cooked meals with family and friends!