John William Wallace (February 17, 1815 – January 12, 1884)^[1] was an American lawyer and the seventh reporter of decisions of the United States Supreme Court, serving from 1863 to 1874.

This article needs additional citations for verification. (January 2021)

Quick Facts Born, Died ...

John William Wallace
portrait by John Neagle
Born	1815
Died	1884  (aged 68–69)

Close

Born in Philadelphia, he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1833 and studied law under his father and John Sergeant. He was admitted to the Philadelphia bar in 1836.^[2]

While librarian to the Law Association of Philadelphia, he compiled three volumes of decisions of the Third Circuit Court of Appeals,^[3] which sat in that city. He wrote The Reporters on English reporters and cases, first as an article in the American Law Magazine (1844),^[4] and then as a book in multiple editions (1845, 1855, 1882) that made his reputation.

His twenty-three volumes of reports of the Supreme Court's cases (volumes 68-90) are highly respected for their quality. He also served as president of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania (April 13, 1868 – January 12, 1884).^[5]

Wallace died in Philadelphia, his hometown, on January 12, 1884.^[1]