Why did Justice Abe Fortas resign from the Supreme Court in 1969?

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A person ascends the steps of the west facade of the United States Supreme Court Building in Washington, D.C., with its tall columns and a round fountain in the foreground. — Supreme Court of the United States The west facade of the U.S. Supreme Court building, Washington, D.C.

Justice Abe Fortas resigned from the Supreme Court of the United States in May 1969 due to the threat of impeachment proceedings in Congress.1

The controversy stemmed from his earlier financial involvement with a financier who was later imprisoned for securities violations. Although Fortas maintained his innocence regarding any wrongdoing, the situation created significant political pressure that led to his resignation.1

This event followed a tumultuous period for the justice; in 1968, his nomination by President Lyndon B. Johnson to become chief justice had already failed due to a Senate filibuster, which was fueled by criticism regarding his continued policy advising to the president and his acceptance of payments for university seminars. Following his resignation from the court, Fortas returned to private law practice.1