Lawyer and statesman.

Studied law at Edinburgh and London before settling into a legal career in Virginia.

Initially a proponent of reconciliation between Great Britain and the American colonies, Griffin later became a delegate to the Continental Congress (1778-80, 1787-88), and a Judge of the Court of Appeals in Cases of Capture (1780-87). Final president of the Continental Congress (elected 1788). Appointed Federal Judge for Virginia in 1789, in which capacity he served until his death.

Born in Farnham Parish, Richmond County, Virginia. Married Christian Stuart in 1770.