John Bingham, American lawyer, judge, and politician, 7th United States Ambassador to Japan (d. 1900)

John Armor Bingham, an influential American politician whose career spanned a pivotal period in U.S. history, was born on January 21, 1815, and passed away on March 19, 1900. Throughout his distinguished public service, Bingham was primarily known for his impactful tenure as a Republican representative for Ohio, his significant role in two of the most scrutinized legal proceedings of his era, and his crucial contribution to one of the most transformative amendments to the United States Constitution. Later in his life, he extended his service to the nation as the United States Ambassador to Japan, cementing a legacy of diverse and profound public engagement.

A Prominent Congressional Career and Key Legal Roles

Bingham's long and active congressional career began in 1855, representing Ohio's 21st and later 16th districts until 1873. During his time in the House of Representatives, he emerged as a leading voice within the Republican Party, particularly during the tumultuous Reconstruction era following the American Civil War. His legal acumen and oratorical skills were frequently called upon for matters of national importance.

• Assistant Judge Advocate General in the Abraham Lincoln Assassination Trial: In the immediate aftermath of President Abraham Lincoln's assassination in April 1865, John Bingham was appointed as one of the Assistant Judge Advocate Generals by President Andrew Johnson. Operating within a military commission, Bingham played a central role in prosecuting the conspirators accused of involvement in the plot to kill Lincoln and other high-ranking government officials. His task was to present the government's case, linking the defendants to the assassination plot and proving their guilt. This high-profile trial, conducted swiftly due to the national crisis, resulted in the conviction of eight individuals, four of whom were executed. Bingham's participation underscored his legal capabilities and his role in bringing justice in a moment of national trauma.
• Lead Prosecutor in the Impeachment Trial of President Andrew Johnson: Bingham's legal prowess was again showcased when he served as one of the chief prosecutors in the impeachment trial of President Andrew Johnson in 1868. Johnson, Lincoln's successor, faced impeachment by the House of Representatives primarily for violating the Tenure of Office Act and for general obstruction of Reconstruction policies. As a leading voice among the House managers, Bingham argued forcefully for Johnson's removal from office, contending that the President had abused his power and disregarded the law. While the Senate ultimately acquitted President Johnson by a single vote, Bingham's role in this historic and divisive trial highlighted his unwavering commitment to the rule of law and legislative authority during a period of intense political conflict.

The Principal Framer of the Fourteenth Amendment

Perhaps John Bingham's most enduring and significant contribution to American jurisprudence and civil rights was his role as the principal framer of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. Ratified in 1868, this amendment is a cornerstone of American civil liberties and equality, particularly relevant for African Americans freed from slavery. Bingham, as a member of the Joint Committee on Reconstruction, was instrumental in drafting its pivotal sections, particularly Section One.

Section One of the Fourteenth Amendment contains several crucial clauses that have profoundly shaped American law and society:

• Citizenship Clause: "All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside." This clause fundamentally established birthright citizenship, ensuring that formerly enslaved people were recognized as citizens.
• Privileges or Immunities Clause: "No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States." Bingham believed this clause would protect fundamental rights against state infringement, aiming to prevent states from denying basic civil rights to their citizens.
• Due Process Clause: "nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law." This clause extended the Fifth Amendment's due process protections to the states, ensuring fair legal procedures and safeguards against arbitrary government action.
• Equal Protection Clause: "nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws." This revolutionary clause mandated that states provide equal protection under the law to all individuals, laying the foundation for future civil rights movements and anti-discrimination legislation.

Bingham's intent with the Fourteenth Amendment was to nationalize the Bill of Rights, making its protections applicable to actions by state governments, thereby safeguarding the rights of all citizens, especially those recently emancipated. His foresight in crafting these provisions has had an immeasurable impact on American constitutional law and the pursuit of equality.

United States Ambassador to Japan

Following his extensive congressional career and his monumental work on the Fourteenth Amendment, John Bingham continued his public service as the United States Ambassador to Japan. Appointed by President Ulysses S. Grant in 1873, he served in this crucial diplomatic role for 12 years, until 1885. His lengthy tenure made him one of the longest-serving U.S. ambassadors to Japan in the 19th century.

During his time in Tokyo, Bingham oversaw a period of significant modernization and change in Japan, as the nation emerged from centuries of isolation and rapidly adopted Western institutions and technologies during the Meiji Restoration. He played a vital role in fostering friendly relations between the two countries, navigating complex diplomatic issues, and protecting American interests in a rapidly evolving region. His ambassadorship solidified his reputation not only as a domestic political figure and constitutional architect but also as a seasoned diplomat.

Frequently Asked Questions about John Armor Bingham

What was John Bingham best known for?

John Bingham is most renowned for his pivotal role as the principal framer of the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. This landmark amendment greatly expanded civil rights and applied constitutional protections to state actions. He was also notable for his involvement in the Lincoln assassination trial and the impeachment trial of President Andrew Johnson.

Which U.S. state did John Bingham represent?

John Armor Bingham served as a Republican representative for the state of Ohio in the United States Congress for multiple terms.

What were John Bingham's key contributions to American law?

His most significant legal contribution was drafting the crucial Section One of the Fourteenth Amendment, which includes the Citizenship, Privileges or Immunities, Due Process, and Equal Protection Clauses. These clauses are fundamental to American civil rights and constitutional law.

What was John Bingham's role in the Abraham Lincoln assassination trial?

He served as an Assistant Judge Advocate General, acting as a lead prosecutor for the U.S. government against the conspirators accused of assassinating President Abraham Lincoln in 1865.

Why was John Bingham involved in President Andrew Johnson's impeachment trial?

As a prominent congressman and legal expert, John Bingham was selected as one of the lead prosecutors (House managers) tasked with presenting the case for President Andrew Johnson's impeachment before the Senate in 1868.

Did John Bingham serve as an ambassador? Where?

Yes, after his congressional service, John Bingham was appointed as the United States Ambassador to Japan, a position he held from 1873 to 1885.