Roger Sherman Baldwin graduated with high honors from Yale College and was admitted to the bar shortly thereafter. He began his career in public service as a member of the city government in New Haven, later serving in the Connecticut State Senate and the General Assembly. Baldwin's legal expertise was prominently displayed when he successfully defended the rights of the Africans of the Amistad in 1841. He proposed significant legislation to end slavery in Connecticut and advocated for the rights of free Black Americans. Baldwin's career culminated in his appointment to the United States Senate, where he served until his death.

Roger Sherman Baldwin champions an ideologically agile stance on civil rights, advocating for the rights of free Black Americans while simultaneously proposing legislation to end slavery in Connecticut. His legislative record reveals an unexpected convergence with opposing factions on environmental regulations, showcasing a highly calculated approach to protecting regional industrial interests. Baldwin's defense of the Amistad Africans highlights his commitment to legal justice, even when it challenges prevailing norms.