Cummings, Homer

Cummings, Homer (Stillé)

(1870–1956) U.S. attorney general, author; born in Chicago, Ill. Known as an incisive, dramatic trial lawyer, as well as an astute and loyal supporter of Democratic candidates, he was named attorney general by President Franklin Roosevelt (1933–39). During his tenure, one of the longest in that office, he established uniform rules of practice and procedure in federal courts. He and Roosevelt backed the failed "court-packing plan" to increase Supreme Court justices. He was the author of several books and a golf enthusiast.