Miller, Samuel Freeman (1816-1890), served as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1862 until his death. He is known for writing the court’s decision in the Slaughterhouse Cases.
In the Slaughterhouse Cases, the Supreme Court ruled in 1873 that Louisiana could give one meat company the exclusive right to slaughter livestock in New Orleans. Butchers of other companies were allowed to use the slaughterhouses by paying a fee. Many butchers argued that they were denied their rights under the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. This amendment forbids the states to deny citizens any rights granted by federal law. Miller’s interpretation of the law upheld the power of the states to regulate most business without federal interference. The court’s decision had the effect of limiting the federal government’s power to protect the rights of Black Americans, most of whom had recently been freed from slavery.
Miller was born in Richmond, Kentucky. He received an M.D. degree from Transylvania University and practiced medicine for several years. He later instructed himself in the law. In 1850, Miller moved to Iowa, where he became a leading attorney.
