ABSTRACT
Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr., was born in Boston on March 8, 1841. Holmes studied Latin, Greek, ancient history, and mathematics. In addition, he read on his own, having a strong interest in poetry and in the historical novels of Sir Walter Scott. Through his father, Holmes became acquainted with literary figures, philosophers, historians, jurists, and scientists. Holmes's early legal career included a time as editor of the American Law Review from 1870 to 1873. In December, 1882, he was appointed to the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts. Holmes's contribution to American jurisprudence was both deep and long-lasting. His view that the law was experience that the law was shaped by a degree of utilitarianism and it should be subjected to a legal science, deeply affected Anglo-American jurisprudence. Holmes was the first Anglo-American jurist to probe seriously the subconscious mind, seeking further understanding of legal decision-making. In this regard, he predated European pioneers in the psychology of the subconscious.
