The name "Benjamin Cardozo" is spelled with three syllables: "Ben-ja-min" "Car-do-zo" (/ˈbɛn.dʒə.mɪn/ /kɑrˈdoʊzoʊ/). The first syllable of "Benjamin" is pronounced with a short "e" sound, while the second syllable has a schwa sound. In "Cardozo", the second syllable is stressed and pronounced with a long "o" sound. The last syllable is pronounced with an "oh" sound, and the "z" is pronounced as a voiced "z" sound (/zoʊ/). Overall, the name is straightforward to pronounce if you follow the IPA phonetic transcription.
Benjamin Cardozo (1870-1938) was an American jurist and judge who made significant contributions to the development of American common law. He is best known for his service as an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court from 1932 until his death in 1938.
Born into a prominent Jewish family in New York City, Cardozo graduated from Columbia Law School and embarked on a successful legal career. He gained recognition for his exceptional expertise in the field of contracts, torts, and corporate law. Cardozo's judicial philosophy was characterized by respect for precedent and a commitment to fairness and justice.
During his tenure on the Supreme Court, Cardozo played a pivotal role in shaping constitutional law. He consistently supported progressive interpretations of the Constitution, and his opinions reflected a keen understanding of the dynamic nature of law and its impact on society. Cardozo believed that courts should strike a balance between preserving established legal principles and adapting to the changing needs and values of the people. His decisions often emphasized individual liberties, equal protection under the law, and the need for social progress.
Cardozo's intellectual prowess, eloquence, and moral convictions made him a respected and influential figure in the legal community. His writings, including books and articles on legal theory and philosophy, endure as foundational sources in American jurisprudence. Benjamin Cardozo's legacy as a pioneering jurist, scholar, and advocate for justice continues to shape the practice of law and inspire future generations of legal professionals.
The word "Benjamin Cardozo" does not have an etymology as it is the name of a person. It is a combination of two names: "Benjamin" and "Cardozo".
"Benjamin" is a Hebrew name meaning "son of the right hand" or "son of the south". It is derived from the Old Testament where Benjamin was one of the twelve sons of Jacob and a founder of one of the twelve tribes of Israel.
"Cardozo" is a Spanish and Portuguese surname of Sephardic Jewish origin. It is derived from the Hebrew word "cardozo" or "cardoso", meaning "stony ground". The Cardozo family can be traced back to Sephardic Jews who were expelled from Portugal during the Inquisition and settled in various parts of the world.