Historical Events tagged with "supreme court"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Politics & Government

Supreme Court Upholds Japanese American Incarceration

December 18th, 1944 80 years ago

The Supreme Court of the United States ruled in favor of the federal government in Korematsu v. United States, confirming the legality of the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. This decision supported President Franklin D. Roosevelt's Executive Order 9066, which led to the forced relocation and incarceration of approximately 120,000 individuals of Japanese descent, including many U.S. citizens. The ruling was based on national security concerns following Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor.

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Crime & Law

Supreme Court's Landmark Erie Railroad Ruling

April 25th, 1938 86 years ago

In a pivotal case, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of Tompkins over Erie Railroad. This case challenged the notion of federal common law's supremacy and redefined how federal and state jurisdictions interact in tort claims. Tompkins, who suffered injuries after an accident involving Erie Railroad in Pennsylvania, contended that state law should govern his claim rather than federal common law. The Court's decision abruptly shifted the legal landscape regarding the application of law in diversity cases, emphasizing that federal courts must apply state law in these circumstances.

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Politics & Government

Senate Rejects Roosevelt's Court Packing Plan

July 22nd, 1937 87 years ago

In July 1937, the United States Senate decisively voted against President Franklin D. Roosevelt's plan to expand the Supreme Court by adding justices. This proposal, which aimed to enable the president to appoint additional justices for every sitting justice over the age of 70, was perceived as an effort by Roosevelt to gain control over a court that had been striking down several key parts of his New Deal legislation. The rejection demonstrated a strong commitment to the independence of the judiciary and marked a significant defeat for Roosevelt's administration.

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Politics & Government

Supreme Court Declares NIRA Unconstitutional

May 27th, 1935 89 years ago

In A.L.A. Schechter Poultry Corp. v. United States, the Supreme Court ruled that the National Industrial Recovery Act (NIRA) was unconstitutional. This ruling arose from a challenge by the Schechter Poultry Corporation, which argued that the federal government overstepped its powers. The decision was significant in curtailing the federal government's ability to regulate industries and set minimum wages or maximum hours within local businesses, impacting the New Deal's economic recovery strategies.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Canadian Women Petition for Legal Personhood

August 27th, 1927 97 years ago

Five Canadian women filed a petition to the Supreme Court of Canada, questioning whether the term 'persons' in Section 24 of the British North America Act, 1867, included women. The petition was a groundbreaking move to challenge the legal status of women in Canada, led by prominent suffragist Nellie McClung and her colleagues. This action sought to elevate the status of women legally, emphasizing the importance of gender equality in constitutional law. Their efforts marked a significant step in the women's rights movement in Canada, raising public awareness and sparking discussions on women’s equality.

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Health & Medicine

Supreme Court Upholds Vaccination Requirements

November 13th, 1922 102 years ago

In Zucht v. King, the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed the authority of states to mandate vaccinations for public school students. This case arose when an unvaccinated student was denied admission to school due to local health regulations. The Court ruled that the state’s interest in protecting public health justified the vaccination requirement, setting a significant precedent for public health law and compulsory vaccination policies across the country.

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Politics & Government

Supreme Court Upholds Women's Voting Rights

February 27th, 1922 103 years ago

In the case of Leser v. Garnett, the Supreme Court faced a challenge to the Nineteenth Amendment, which guaranteed women the right to vote. The Court's ruling confirmed the validity of the amendment, affirming the legality of women's suffrage in the United States. The case emerged from a dispute regarding the voting rights of women in Maryland, where opponents questioned the amendment's constitutionality. The ruling emphasized the importance of women's participation in the democratic process.

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Politics & Government

Taft Becomes Chief Justice of the Supreme Court

July 11th, 1921 103 years ago

William Howard Taft took the oath of office as the 10th Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, making history as the only individual to serve as both president and chief justice. The swearing-in ceremony marked a significant moment not just in Taft's life, but also in the legal history of the United States. The event highlighted Taft's dedication to the judiciary, affirming his belief that the Supreme Court plays a pivotal role in upholding the Constitution and the rule of law.

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Politics & Government

Taft Becomes Chief Justice Under Harding

June 30th, 1921 103 years ago

Warren G. Harding appointed William Howard Taft as Chief Justice of the United States, marking a significant moment in judicial history. Taft, a former President himself, was known for his expertise in law and governance. His appointment brought a wealth of experience to the Supreme Court. This decision by Harding aimed to unify the Republican Party and strengthen judicial leadership at a time of political transition in the nation.

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