Thomas M. Cooley

Biography

Thomas M. Cooley, born in 1824, was a jurist whose tenure on the bench reflected a commitment to fairness, clarity, and the rule of law. He guided the Michigan Supreme Court through complex times and penned influential treatises that helped shape American legal thought.

His decisions and writings continue to be studied for their reasoned approach and respect for due process, embodying the ideal of law as a servant of the people. Thomas Cooley’s impact endures through the integrity he brought to every judgment.