Today in Supreme Court History: April 4, 1861

Justice John McLean, a stalwart of the US Supreme Court, passed away on April 4, 1861, leaving behind a legacy of significant contributions to the nation's highest court. A key figure in the Court's history, McLean served for nearly three decades, consistently advocating for states' rights and limited government intervention. His tenure saw major decisions on landmark cases, including the infamous Dred Scott v. Sandford ruling, which would later be overturned by the 13th Amendment. As the nation teetered on the brink of civil war, McLean's death marked the end of an era in American jurisprudence, setting the stage for the Court's role in shaping the country's future.

4/4/1861: Justice John McLean dies. The post Today in Supreme Court History: April 4, 1861 appeared first on Reason.com.