Roger B. Taney

5th Chief Justice of the United States

Roger B. Taney - 5th Chief Justice of the United States
Born

March 17th, 1777
247 years ago

Died

1864
161 years ago — 87 years old

Category

Leaders & Politicians

Country

United States

Links & References

Served as the 5th Chief Justice of the United States from 1836 to 1864. Authored the controversial Dred Scott v. Sandford decision in 1857, which ruled that African Americans could not be citizens and that Congress lacked the authority to prohibit slavery in U.S. territories. This decision heightened tensions leading up to the Civil War. Taney's tenure was marked by significant legal interpretations that influenced American law and governance.

Authored the Dred Scott v. Sandford decision

Served as Chief Justice from 1836 to 1864

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