He was for more than twenty years a justice of the New York City Marine Court.
In May 1840, Scott and Effingham Schieffelin were removed from office on the allegation that the Court had supplied foreigners with letters of naturalization before their legal term of probation (5 years) had expired.
Silas Wright as Recorder of New York City, the last holder of this office appointed by the governor and confirmed by the State Senate, remaining in office until the end of 1848.
On January 1, 1849, he was succeeded by Frederick A. Tallmadge, the first Recorder elected by popular ballot.
Scott lived at 11 Albion Place in New York City, but died in East Hampton, Long Island, returning from his summer vacation.