In the continuation of our podcast series Chatting with the Authors, Judicial Notice author Hon. Robert S. Smith, retired Associate Judge of the NYS Court of Appeals, spoke to guest interviewer Daniel F. Loud about his article on James Kent – just in time for the Fourth of July. Kent had an illustrious career in the years following the American Revolution, and is best remembered for his decisions and written commentaries which helped shape the burgeoning common law in America. In this interesting podcast, Judge Smith provides his insights about the choices Kent made in his legal and judicial career.
James Kent has a special place in the Society’s heart, as we participated with Kent’s descendants in the restoration of his gravestone in 2016. The mystery of the missing gravestone, and its subsequent restoration, was recounted in a blog post. You can read more about James Kent on our website, including a fascinating personal look at Kent in his letter to Thomas Washington.
We certainly appreciate Judge Smith and Daniel’s addition to our Kent archive and to this series. All Chatting with the Authors podcasts are available on our website.
Listen to Episode #8 – Chancellor James Kent: His Impact on Judging and the Beginnings of “American Law”
Read the Judicial Notice Article by Hon. Robert S. Smith “Chancellor James Kent: Father of American Jurisprudence”