John Calhoun Shields (January 21, 1848 – April 30, 1892) was an American jurist who served as Chief Justice of the Arizona Territorial Supreme Court.
Granted a recess appointment by President Grover Cleveland, he is the only nominee to the Arizona territorial bench who was denied senate confirmation.
[2] The post of Chief Justice of the Arizona Territorial Supreme Court was filled in March 1884 by Sumner Howard, an appointee of President Chester A.
[4] With the election of President Grover Cleveland, Howard sensed he was about to be removed and resigned in October 1885 to ease the appointment of Shields to the Arizona bench.
[5][6] On October 23, 1885, President Cleveland appointed Shields as Chief Justice of the Arizona Territorial Supreme Court.
Shortly after his arrival, Shields requested a leave of absence following the January session to "close up my business" back in Michigan.
[10] Shields' time on the bench ended on June 7, 1886, when the United States Senate refused to confirm his nomination.