Cranch, William (1769–1855)

US jurist. He served 54 years on the US Circuit Court of the District of Columbia, the last 50 1805–55, as its chief justice.

He was born in Weymouth, Massachusetts, the nephew of future US presidents John Adams, and classmate of John Quincy Adams. He was also reporter of the US Supreme Court (1802–17), and his clear and accurate reports remain important for understanding many of Chief Justice John Marshall's important decisions. He published decisions of his own court (1801–41) in six volumes (1852–53).