John Dick (judge)

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John Dick (1788–April 23, 1824) was an American judge who served on the United States district courts for Louisiana. Born in County Tyrone, Ireland, he studied law in 1811 and moved to New Orleans after growing up in Virginia. He worked as a private lawyer and then as United States Attorney for the District of Louisiana from 1814 to 1821. As U.S. Attorney, he charged Andrew Jackson with obstruction of justice and contempt; Jackson was fined $1,000 and left the court.

President James Monroe nominated Dick to the District of Louisiana bench in 1821, and he was confirmed on March 2, 1821. In 1823, he was reassigned by operation of law to sit on both the Eastern and Western Districts of Louisiana—a joint seat created by statute. He served until his death in New Orleans in 1824 at about 36 years old.

Dick was active in the Hibernian Society of New Orleans, serving as vice president and counselor in 1819. He married Mary Farar in January 1820; in October 1820 his wife, their baby, and many relatives died in a yellow fever outbreak at Bay St. Louis. He later married Frances Ann Kenner on August 16, 1823. Dick died of consumption in New Orleans in 1824; his estate was administered by Nathaniel Dick and John B. Humphrey.