Aaron Goodrich, Chief Justice, Territorial Supreme Court, 1849-1851

Goodrich’s (unsuccessful) Supreme Court case attempting to claim the remainder of his salary after being removed from office by President Fillmore.

Imagine Minnesota without a legal system. That was the case before 1849 when Minnesota, then a territory, had no judges, no courtrooms to settle disputes. But 150 years ago this month, that all changed as Minnesota's first justice Aaron Goodrich was sworn in near the banks of the Mississippi river in Stillwater. Goodrich's story and other accounts of the famous and infamous in Minnesota justice are chronicled in a new book, "For the Record: 150 years of law and lawyers in Minnesota". 250 legal enthusiasts dug into historical archives to piece together the history of Minnesota's legal profession.

Mentions Goodrich attacking his landlord with a sword cane and describes him as “a fugitive from popular indignation.”

Lengthy article discussing the removal of Judge Goodrich by President Pierce.

Relating a very critical account of Judge Goodrich by a fellow passenger on his voyage to Europe.

A review of the book A history of the character and achievements of the so-called Christopher Columbus

Proposal from a reader to erect a statue in honor of Judge Goodrich at the new St. Paul courthouse.