New Books Network Raymond J. McKoski, "David Davis, Abraham Lincoln's Favorite Judge" (U Illinois Press, 2025)
Oct 3, 2025
Raymond J. McKoski, a retired Illinois Circuit Judge and adjunct professor, delves into the life of David Davis, a pivotal ally of Abraham Lincoln. He discusses how Davis's strategies helped secure Lincoln's 1860 nomination and his significant role in Lincoln's presidential campaigns. McKoski highlights Davis's unique ability to balance judicial impartiality with political acumen, which sometimes led to tensions with Lincoln. Additionally, he explores Davis's transition from a lawyer to a Supreme Court Justice and his lasting legacy in politics.
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Judicial Ethics Then Versus Now
- McKoski frames Davis both by modern judicial-ethics standards and by 19th-century norms.
- This contrast reveals how standards of judicial impartiality and outside conduct have shifted over time.
Mansion Visit That Sparked The Book
- Raymond McKoski discovered deep interest in David Davis after visiting the Davis Mansion in Bloomington.
- A docent's introduction and Davis's surprising life story sparked the book project.
Judge Historical Actors By Their Time
- When evaluating historical figures, compare actions to both contemporary and period norms before judging.
- Use primary evidence, like letters, to test claims and avoid simplistic labels.
