Joseph Phillips was born in Kentucky in 1784 and later relocated with his family to Tennessee. He was admitted to the bar in Rutherford County, Tennessee, in 1809 and served as the second and last Secretary of Illinois Territory from 1816 to 1818. During the War of 1812, Phillips led his regiment as a captain and played a role in the expedition to Fort Massac. He was subsequently elected as the first chief justice of the Illinois Supreme Court, a position he held until 1822. Phillips then transitioned to politics, running for Governor of Illinois on a pro-slavery platform but was unsuccessful in his bid.

Joseph Phillips's political identity is marked by a staunch pro-slavery stance, evident from his gubernatorial campaign platform in 1822. His career trajectory, from military service to high judicial office, showcases an ideologically consistent dedication to preserving slavery. Phillips's approach juxtaposes his judicial responsibilities with a contentious political agenda, hinting at a deeply rooted, uncompromising ideology. His historical context and policy positions reveal a figure whose actions and beliefs challenge modern sensibilities, provoking curiosity about the justifications behind such a stance.