Scituate native Chief Justice William Cushing, aided by associate justices, officiated at the trial, which took place in April of 1778.

William Cushing. The longest-serving justice appointed by Washington, he remained on the court until 1810. But Cushing rejected the job of chief justice in 1796 even though Washington nominated ...

As if to test the thesis, Justice William Cushing arrived in New York, wearing an outdated judicial wig. The wig created excitement. A group of boys followed Cushing down the street.

Four years later, Associate Justice William Cushing swore in Washington for a second term, beginning the Supreme Court tradition. Early inaugurals were usually conducted in the House or Senate ...