How does that discredit the opinion of a former US Supreme Court justice?
It doesn't, necessarily.
It discredits -you- for calling him a Justice.
Walt
ROTFL! Has it come to this? Denigrating a position because of a title? In case you are not aware of customs of the several (meaning more than one entity) united (as in joined for common purposes) states (again, multiple distinct entities), it is proper to address local, state and federal officials by the title of the highest office they held.
Curtis liked the President - admired him greatly, even believed that the war was was fought for just cause. But he believed that Lincoln usurped powers and his Emancipation Proclomation was null and void.