Roger B. Taney

Definition

He was the fifth Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, holding that office from 1836 until his death in 1864. He delivered the majority opinion in Dred Scott v. Sandford.

Related terms

Chief Justice: The presiding judge in a supreme court.

Judicial Review: The power of courts to declare laws unconstitutional; this power was established by Marbury v Madison case (1803).

Antebellum Period: Refers to the period before Civil War when slavery was prevalent especially in Southern states.