A landmark moment in U.S. judicial history unfolded as Justice John Marshall Harlan II announced his resignation from the Supreme Court, marking the end of a distinguished tenure. Known for his dissenting opinions that often challenged majority rulings, Harlan’s departure created a vacancy that would reshape the Court’s ideological balance. His legacy as a staunch defender of individual rights and states' powers left an enduring imprint on constitutional law. The move also set the stage for a new era in the nation’s highest court, with implications for future legal precedents.
9/23/1971: Justice John Marshall Harlan II resigns. The post Today in Supreme Court History: September 23, 1971 appeared first on Reason Magazine.
