Who was the shortest US Supreme Court justice?

Second Chief Justice John Rutledge served the shortest term of office, from July 1, 1795 until December 28, 1795. The Senate rejected President Washington's recess appointment of Rutledge on December 15, 1795, but he was allowed to serve the remainder of the year, per the conditions established under Article II of the Constitution.

Some historians claim Rutledge only served four months as Chief Justice. This is calculated from the time he took the Oath of Office on August 12, 1795 (not his appointment date of July 1) until his Senate rejection on December 15 of that year.

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