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Chief Justice John Marshall established the authority
of the nascent Supreme Court. Crucial decisions in the
early years of the court showed the power of the court
to interpret the Constitution.
Catalog ID: 489492 |
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Most Supreme Court justices are virtually unknown before
their tenure on the court. The greatest exception is
former President William Howard Taft who served as Chief
Justice of the Supreme Court in the 1920s.
Catalog ID: 493307 |
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Over the years the number of justices on the court has
changed several times. In 1937, President Franklin
Roosevelt proposed adding additional justices. Critics
accused him of trying to pack the court with members
favorable to his New Deal policies.
Catalog ID: 489498, 459842 |
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The private life and beliefs of a Supreme Court Justice
have always been a matter of public interest. In 1937,
Justice Hugo Black’s brief membership in the KKK sparked
intense scrutiny.
Catalog ID: 255588 |
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Chief Justice Earl Warren’s tenure on the Supreme Court
was marked by a string of famous cases that divided
public opinion. The Warren court was noted for its
defense of individual rights such as in the cases of
school prayer and the Miranda case.
Catalog ID: 489500 |
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In 1967, President Lyndon Johnson made history by
appointing Thurgood Marshall to the Supreme Court.
Marshall was the first African American to serve on the
court and was known for his support of individual
rights.
Catalog ID: 425957, 425365 |
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Another barrier was broken when Sandra Day O’Connor
became the first woman to serve on the Supreme Court. At
her Senate confirmation hearing, O’Connor dealt with a
variety of questions including her views on abortion.
Catalog ID: 516001 |
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Senators at Chief Justice William Rehnquist’s 1986
confirmation hearings closely scrutinized his background
and raised questions about his past career.
Catalog ID: 467490 |
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Many factors influence the decisions handed down by the
Court. In this clip, Justices Scalia, White and Powell
discuss precedent and societal attitudes.
Catalog ID: 489485 |
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Clarence Thomas became the second African American
Justice on the Supreme Court after being narrowly
confirmed by the Senate. Here Thomas speaks about the
strain of the intense examination after the Senate began
an investigation of his alleged sexual harassment of
Anita Hill.
Catalog ID: 515512 |
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Although some questioned her motives, Anita Hill
remained firm in her allegations against Clarence
Thomas. Today she is credited with bringing attention to
the problem of sexual harassment in the workplace.
Catalog ID: 515513 |
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