He entered private practice in Brooklyn, New York from 1845 to 1865.

He was a member of the New York State Assembly starting in 1863.

[1] Benedict was nominated by President Abraham Lincoln on March 6, 1865, to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, to a new seat authorized by 13 Stat.

He was confirmed by the United States Senate on March 9, 1865, and received his commission the same day.

[1] Among his many cases, Benedict signed the arrest warrant of Captain Henry W. Howgate on September 29, 1894.