Document Type

Article

Abstract

This Article discusses the life and reportership of John Hooker, an early Connecticut Judicial Reporter and participant in the Women’s Suffrage movement in Connecticut. This Article analyzes Hooker’s letters, written primarily to his wife Isabella—who also played an important role in the Women’s Suffrage movement in Connecticut—to better understand Hooker’s experiences and thinking. This Article then addresses three points of contention regarding Hooker’s life. First, this Article discusses Hooker’s unique style of adding footnotes with his own commentary to judicial opinions. Second, this Article argues that Hooker’s contributions to the In re Mary Hall decision may have been more significant than some of his modern critics contend. Third, this Article pushes back on criticisms of Hooker’s obituaries, particularly his obituary of Chief Justice Park, arguing that these were in keeping with the style of the time rather than indicative of jealousy.

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