Interview with Karl Price, January 13, 1975

Interview Summary

Karl Price was an assistant to the undersecretary of the treasury during Fred Vinson's time as secretary of the treasury when they first met. Even though they were just acquaintances at this time, he is able to give his opinion of Vinson's position in President Harry Truman's administration. Price recalls statements made by Justice Robert Jackson upon Vinson's appointment to the Supreme Court. From his position as Vinson's law clerk, he states that there was not much overt evidence of divisions within the Court. He talks about the composition of the Vinson Court. There is discussion about whether Vinson shared the work load equally as chief justice and his use of his law clerks. Price comments on Vinson's relationship with his law clerks. Vinson's enjoyment of his prior public positions and their influence on him as chief justice are discussed. Price comments briefly on the "steel case" (Youngstown Sheet and Tube Co. v. Sawyer). He relates what he feels was Vinson's opinion of the role of the Court and the role of the chief justice in society. He shares Vinson's position on a civil rights case that came before the Court while Price was a clerk. Vinson's interest in the case of the United Mine Workers and John L. Lewis is related, as is Vinson's interest in tax cases. Price gives his impression of Vinson as a potential presidential nominee in 1952 and his opinion of Vinson's career as chief justice. Finally, he relates some of Vinson's law background.

Interview Keyword

Fred M. Vinson Politics and government United States Government Chief Justice Courts Cases Administrations

Interview LC Subject

Law and legislation Vinson, Fred M., 1890-1953 United States. Supreme Court Truman, Harry S., 1884-1972 United States. Supreme Court--Cases

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Interview Usage

Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.