Roger Taney facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Roger Brooke Taney
5th Chief Justice of the United States
In office March 28, 1836 – October 12, 1864
Nominated by	Andrew Jackson
Preceded by	John Marshall
Succeeded by	Salmon P. Chase
12th United States Secretary of the Treasury
In office September 23, 1833 – June 25, 1834
President	Andrew Jackson
Preceded by	William John Duane
Succeeded by	Levi Woodbury
11th United States Attorney General
In office July 20, 1831 – November 14, 1833
President	Andrew Jackson
Preceded by	John M. Berrien
Succeeded by	Benjamin Franklin Butler
Personal details
Born	(1777-03-17)March 17, 1777 Calvert County, Maryland, U.S.
Died	October 12, 1864(1864-10-12) (aged 87) Washington, D.C., U.S.
Political party	Federalist, Democrat
Spouse	Anne Arnold Phoebe Charlton Key Taney
Alma mater	Dickinson College
Profession	Politician, Lawyer, Judge

Roger Brooke Taney (born March 17, 1777 – died October 12, 1864) was an important judge in the United States. He became the Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. This is the highest court in the country. Taney made many big decisions during his time.

One of his most famous decisions was the Dred Scott case. In this case, he ruled that a slave who had lived in a free state was still a slave. This decision made it harder to keep the country united. It also canceled out agreements that had been helping to prevent a war.

When Abraham Lincoln became president, Taney was the judge who swore him into office. Later, during the American Civil War, President Lincoln took some special powers to help the country. Taney tried to stop him, but his attempts were not successful.

Early Life and Career

Roger Brooke Taney was born in Calvert County, Maryland. He studied at Dickinson College and became a lawyer. Before becoming Chief Justice, he held several important jobs in the government.

Working for President Jackson

Taney worked for President Andrew Jackson. He was the United States Attorney General, which means he was the top lawyer for the government. Later, he became the United States Secretary of the Treasury. This job involves managing the country's money.

Becoming Chief Justice

In 1836, President Jackson chose Taney to be the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. This is a very important role. The Chief Justice leads the Supreme Court and helps decide major legal cases. Taney took over from John Marshall, who was also a very famous Chief Justice.

The Dred Scott Decision

One of the most important and controversial decisions Taney made was in the Dred Scott case in 1857. This case was about a slave named Dred Scott. Scott had lived with his owner in areas where slavery was not allowed. He argued that this made him a free man.

Impact of the Decision

Chief Justice Taney and the Supreme Court ruled that African Americans, whether enslaved or free, could not be U.S. citizens. They also said that Congress could not stop slavery in new territories. This decision made many people in the North very angry. It also made the disagreements between the North and South much worse. Many historians believe this decision helped lead to the American Civil War.

Taney and President Lincoln

When Abraham Lincoln became president in 1861, Taney swore him into office. During the Civil War, President Lincoln took some actions that Taney believed were against the law. For example, Lincoln suspended habeas corpus. This means people could be arrested and held without being told why.

Disagreements During the Civil War

Taney tried to challenge Lincoln's actions in court. However, President Lincoln mostly ignored these challenges. There were even rumors that Taney might be arrested for trying to stop the President. Despite their disagreements, Taney continued to serve as Chief Justice until his death in 1864.

Legacy and Recognition

Taney County, Missouri was named in his honor in 1837. This shows that he was a respected figure during his lifetime. However, his legacy is often debated because of the Dred Scott decision.

Images for kids

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  Portrait of Taney as Secretary of the Treasury

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  Chief Justice Roger B. Taney, photograph by Mathew Brady

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  Taney's grave in Frederick, Maryland

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  Roger B. Taney statue removed from Mount Vernon Place, Baltimore in August 2017

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  Roger Taney appears on a 1940 U.S. revenue stamp

See also

In Spanish: Roger B. Taney para niños