Roger B. Taney
5th Chief Justice of the United States
Born
Died
1864
162 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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