Merrick Garland

Merrick Garland: biography

Merrick Garland is an American lawyer and jurist who is currently serving as the 86th Attorney General of the United States, having been appointed to the position by President Joe Biden in 2021. Prior to his current role, Garland served as a judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, where he was widely respected for his legal expertise, impartiality, and commitment to upholding the rule of law.

Childhood and youth

Merrick Brian Garland was born on November 13, 1952, in Chicago, Illinois, to parents Shirley and Cyril Garland. His mother was a director of volunteer services and his father was the owner of a small business. Garland grew up in a Jewish family in Skokie, a suburb of Chicago, and attended Niles West High School.

Garland was a highly accomplished student throughout his childhood and youth. He was a National Merit Scholar and earned a scholarship to attend Harvard University, where he graduated summa cum laude with a degree in social studies in 1974. During his time at Harvard, Garland was involved in student government and played in the school's marching band.

After college, Garland attended Harvard Law School, where he served on the board of editors of the Harvard Law Review and graduated magna cum laude in 1977. Following law school, he clerked for Judge Henry J. Friendly of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and then for Supreme Court Justice William J. Brennan Jr.

Garland's childhood and youth experiences likely played a role in shaping his legal and professional career. Growing up in a Jewish family in the aftermath of the Holocaust and during the Civil Rights Movement may have influenced his commitment to justice and the rule of law. Additionally, his academic achievements and involvement in student government suggest a strong drive to make a positive impact on society, a trait that has characterized his legal career.

Law career

Merrick Garland's law career spans over four decades and has been marked by a steadfast commitment to public service, integrity, and impartiality. After clerking for two prominent judges, he began his legal career as a prosecutor in the United States Department of Justice's Criminal Division, where he worked on high-profile cases involving public corruption, drug trafficking, and white-collar crime.

Garland quickly rose through the ranks of the Justice Department, serving as Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the Criminal Division and then as the Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General, where he oversaw several key initiatives, including the department's response to the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing.

In 1997, President Bill Clinton nominated Garland to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, one of the most influential federal appellate courts in the country. Garland's nomination was widely praised for his legal expertise, fairness, and impeccable credentials, and he was confirmed by the Senate in 1998.

As a judge, Garland developed a reputation for being a meticulous and fair-minded jurist who carefully considered the facts and legal principles at issue in each case before him. He authored several influential opinions on a wide range of issues, including administrative law, criminal law, and environmental law.

Attorney General

Merrick Garland was confirmed as the 86th Attorney General of the United States by the Senate on March 10, 2021, after being nominated by President Joe Biden. As the nation's chief law enforcement officer, Garland oversees the Department of Justice and plays a crucial role in shaping the country's legal and policy landscape.

Since taking office, Garland has made it a priority to restore the department's independence and impartiality, which he believes are essential to upholding the rule of law and protecting Americans' civil rights and liberties. He has worked to rebuild trust in the department and ensure that its policies and actions are guided by the principles of fairness, equality, and justice.

Garland has also focused on addressing some of the most pressing issues facing the country, including domestic terrorism, gun violence, and civil rights. He has directed the department to prioritize investigations and prosecutions of hate crimes, voter suppression, and police misconduct, among other issues.

In addition, Garland has been a vocal advocate for criminal justice reform, calling for changes to the system to address racial disparities and reduce mass incarceration. He has also spoken out against political interference in the department's work and vowed to uphold the independence of the agency.

Garland's tenure as Attorney General has been marked by a deep commitment to public service and the rule of law, and his leadership has been widely praised by both Democrats and Republicans.

Personal life

Merrick Garland has led a private personal life, but what is known is that he has been married to Lynn Rosenman Garland since 1987, an accomplished lawyer and advocate for children's rights. The couple has two daughters, Rebecca and Jessica.

Garland is known for his love of music and plays the piano and guitar in his spare time. He has been a member of a band called The Condescending Liberals, which also includes several other judges and lawyers in the Washington, D.C. area.

Garland has also been active in the community, volunteering his time to various charitable organizations, including the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Program and the Equal Justice Initiative.

Garland's personal life reflects his commitment to public service and his belief in the importance of maintaining a balance between professional obligations and personal relationships. While he has achieved great success in his legal career, he has remained grounded in his values and the people who matter most to him.

Achievements and accomplishments

Merrick Garland has had a distinguished career as a lawyer, judge, and public servant. Here are some of his notable achievements and accomplishments:

• Clerkship with Supreme Court Justice William J. Brennan Jr. and Judge Henry J. Friendly
• Worked as a prosecutor in the United States Department of Justice's Criminal Division, where he worked on high-profile cases involving public corruption, drug trafficking, and white-collar crime
• Served as Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the Criminal Division and then as the Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General, where he oversaw several key initiatives, including the department's response to the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing
• Nominated by President Bill Clinton to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit in 1997
• Authored several influential opinions on a wide range of issues as a judge, including administrative law, criminal law, and environmental law
• Nominated by President Joe Biden as the 86th Attorney General of the United States in 2021
• Worked to restore the Department of Justice's independence and impartiality, and prioritize civil rights, criminal justice reform, and domestic terrorism
• Directed the department to prioritize investigations and prosecutions of hate crimes, voter suppression, and police misconduct, among other issues
• Advocated for criminal justice reform to address racial disparities and reduce mass incarceration
• Has been a vocal advocate for protecting the independence of the Department of Justice from political interference
• Recognized with numerous awards and honors for his legal and public service, including the Edmund J. Randolph Award for outstanding service to the Department of Justice and the Justice John Paul Stevens Award from the American Bar Association.