Isaac Blackford held a distinguished career in the judiciary, beginning with his appointment as Chief Justice of the Indiana Supreme Court. He played a pivotal role in relocating the court to Indianapolis and later to the new Indiana Statehouse. Blackford authored the majority opinion in a significant number of cases, demonstrating his influence and expertise in legal precedents. Despite unsuccessful attempts to run for court reporter and other political offices, his foundational experience in high-level judicial roles underscores his commitment to the legal field.

Isaac Blackford's judicial philosophy is steeped in a reverence for English common law and judicial precedent, distinguishing him as a "book judge." His approach to legal contributions is marked by an exceptional reliance on established authority, as evidenced by his authorship of majority opinions in over a third of the cases he presided over. Despite his judicial conservatism, Blackford's strategic maneuvering in later political bids reveals an intriguing adaptability, seeking nominations across different parties and positions, though ultimately unsuccessful. This blend of steadfast judicial principles with a pragmatic yet unsuccessful foray into electoral politics suggests a complex political identity.