Peter V. Daniel was educated by private tutors and attended the College of New Jersey, later studying law under Edmund Randolph. He established a legal career in Virginia, serving in various political roles, including the Virginia House of Delegates and the Virginia Council of State. Daniel transitioned to federal judicial service, appointed to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia and later to the Supreme Court of the United States. Throughout his judicial career, he was known for his frequent dissents and notable opinions on significant cases.

Peter V. Daniel's judicial philosophy reveals a staunch defense of states' rights and a rigid interpretation of the Constitution, often placing him at odds with federal authority. His support for slavery and concurrence in cases like *Prigg v. Pennsylvania* underscore his conservative stance on racial issues. Notably, Daniel's frequent dissents suggest a highly localized approach to constitutional interpretation, challenging broader judicial trends of his time.