The Historical Society of the DC Circuit
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The Historical Society of the DC Circuit
@circuithistory.bsky.social
The Historical Society of the District of Columbia Circuit is a tax-exempt organization independent of the Courts of the D.C. Circuit with a mission to record, preserve and publicize the life and history of those courts.
Calling all legal historians and oral history practitioners! The D.C. Circuit Historical Society archive has essential primary sources on admin law, constitutional history, and judicial figures. Perfect for your next project. Start your research journey here: dcchs.org  #ASLH #OHA #Researchtool
November 23, 2025 at 3:16 PM
He went to night law school when a college degree wasn’t required and rose to the federal bench. Judge Thomas A. Flannery’s oral history tells how hard work and integrity shaped a life in justice. Read more: https://dcchs.org/oral-histories/thomas-a-flannery/ 
#DCCHS #LegalHistory #Lawyers 
November 22, 2025 at 10:11 PM
When President Jefferson sought treason warrants against political enemies, DC Chief Judge William Cranch said no. His dissent in U.S. v. Bollman defined the early DC Circuit’s stand for judicial independence. Read more: https://dcchs.org/u-s-v-bollman-a-noble-beginning-for-the-d-c-circuit-court/
November 21, 2025 at 5:01 PM
What stories shaped the D.C. Circuit over 200 years? The Great Hall Exhibition brings them to life with photos, articles, and highlights that bring the story of the Courts to life! Plan your visit and read more here: https://dcchs.org/current-exhibition/

#DCCHS #LegalHistory #Exhibition
November 16, 2025 at 5:00 PM
The D.C. Circuit plays a vital role in shaping U.S. environmental law by reviewing EPA actions under the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts and resolving complex scientific questions.
Learn more here: https://dcchs.org/the-environment/

#EnvironmentalLaw #DCCircuit #DCCHS
November 9, 2025 at 9:25 PM
Discover the D.C. Circuit’s defining role in shaping U.S. law. Jeffrey Brandon Morris’s Calmly to Poise the Scales of Justice explores how these courts oversee federal power and influence the Supreme Court. Order here: https://dcchs.org/publications/

#DCCHS #JudicialHistory #LegalHistory
November 7, 2025 at 10:52 PM
See the judges who shaped U.S. law. A century of official portraits reveals the evolution of the D.C. Circuit and its legacy in shaping justice, from Shepard (1905) to Bazelon (1977). https://dcchs.org/courts-of-appeals/ #DCCHS #DCCircuit #Law #Judge
November 7, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Discover the voices behind D.C.’s legal legacy. The Historical Society’s Oral History Program features 100+ interviews with judges, attorneys & key figures who shaped justice in our nation’s capital. Explore now: https://dcchs.org/oral-histories/ #DCCHS #LegalHistory #Justice
November 1, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Help preserve the legacy of the D.C. Circuit! Your donation supports oral histories, programs, and events connecting the legal community across generations. Donate today: dcchs.org/donate/
October 29, 2025 at 2:34 PM
Judge George E. MacKinnon shaped the D.C. Circuit and served on the FISA Court of Review. Learn about his career, education & portrait on the Historical Society’s site. //dcchs.org/judges/mackinnon-george-edward #DCCHS #DCCircuit #HistoricalSociety
October 29, 2025 at 2:18 PM
Before the Watergate trials, Judge Gerhard Gesell helped investigate the Pearl Harbor attack. This article on the Society’s timeline traces this early test of judgment and leadership.
https://dcchs.org/gesell-pearl-harbor/
#DCCHS #LegalHistory #Watergate
October 23, 2025 at 4:20 PM
The October #DCCHS Newsletter is out! Read about Justice RBG’s oral history, new interviews with John Cruden, Judge J. Michelle Childs’ Fordham Law Review article, and more from the D.C. Circuit’s history. https://dcchs.org/the-societys-latest-newsletter-october-2025/

October 13, 2025 at 4:10 PM
The Historical Society is honored to share interviews with Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Covering her early life, education, and judicial career, with a focus on the D.C. Circuit. https://dcchs.org/oral-history-of-ruth-bader-ginsburg-now-available-on-society-website/
#RBG #WomenInLaw

October 9, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Hear from FTC giant Robert Pitofsky: professor, reformer, and antitrust authority. His oral history reveals how he shaped modern consumer protection and bipartisan enforcement.
June 19, 2025 at 11:46 PM
TOMORROW: A powerful Juneteenth event honoring Judge William B. Bryant. Hear from leaders in law.
June 18 @ Noon RSVP now: supremecourthistory.org/supreme-court-historical-society-events/trailblazer-on-the-bench-a-juneteenth-conversation-on-judge-william-b-bryant
June 17, 2025 at 10:47 PM
Did you know Judge Bryant was the 1st Black Chief Judge in D. C.? Learn about his legacy during a Juneteenth panel 6/18 at 12pm | RSVP: supremecourthistory.org/supreme-court-historical-society-events/trailblazer-on-the-bench-a-juneteenth-conversation-on-judge-william-b-bryant
June 12, 2025 at 3:30 PM
DC lawyers, want to dig into oral histories, courtroom legends, and landmark decisions?
Subscribe to the Historical Society of the D. C. Courts newsletter and stay in the know! Sign up here: https://dcchs.org/newsletters-signup/
June 11, 2025 at 6:35 PM
Judge Bryant’s story is one all lawyers should know. Join us for a Juneteenth event on his bio "Soul of the Court. " 6/18 @ noon. RSVP: supremecourthistory.org/supreme-court-historical-society-events/trailblazer-on-the-bench-a-juneteenth-conversation-on-judge-william-b-bryant
June 6, 2025 at 10:42 PM
Arthur Miller defied Congress and was convicted. But the D.C. Courts reversed it all. Explore the real story behind the headlines: dcchs.org/arthur-miller-1958
#DCBar #ArthurMiller #AppellateLaw #FirstAmendment
June 6, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Join us on Zoom June 18 @ noon for a Juneteenth convo on Judge William B. Bryant's new biography "Soul of the Court. " RSVP: supremecourthistory.org/supreme-court-historical-society-events/trailblazer-on-the-bench-a-juneteenth-conversation-on-judge-william-b-bryant
June 4, 2025 at 6:14 PM
Jamie Gorelick’s legal legacy spans 50 years. Deputy AG, 9/11 Commission, DOD GC, & more. In her oral history, she shares career shaping moments + mentorship of leaders like Merrick Garland. Explore it here! https://dcchs.org/judges/jamie-gorelick #Law #WomenInLaw
June 3, 2025 at 3:57 PM
Dean Shelley Broderick helped shape legal education in DC for over 40 years. Her oral history is a must-read for every lawyer committed to social justice, clinical education, and access to justice.
May 30, 2025 at 6:34 PM
Judge Randolph D. Moss, appointed by President Obama in 2014, brings Yale Law insight to the U.S. District Court for D.C. Explore his path from Hamilton College to the federal bench on our Judge’s Page. Learn more here: https://dcchs.org/judges/moss-randolph-daniel/
#LawClerks #DCBar #Yale
May 29, 2025 at 8:20 PM
Explore the history of the U.S. District Court for D.C. through official photos from 1863–2020. This unique exhibit captures the evolution of the Court: faces, eras, and change. A must see for D.C. legal minds. Explore here! https://dcchs.org/district-courts/ #DCLaw
May 22, 2025 at 1:38 PM
From 1800 to today—trace the legal legacy of the D.C. Circuit. Landmark cases, judges, and history that shaped American law.
Explore the full timeline now: dcchs.org/history
#DCLawyers #LegalHistory #DCCircuit #YoungLawyers #FederalBar #LegalLegacy
May 21, 2025 at 3:22 PM