The Battles and Triumphs of FDR's Great Supreme Court Justice

In 1933, Franklin D. Roosevelt caused a political tsunami by proposing a bill to increase the number of justices on the Supreme Court. FDR's proposal was motivated by a group of conservative justices who had been striking down many of his New Deal programs. The plan failed, but Roosevelt would later make key Supreme Court appointments that would play a major role in shaping American law.

The Court-Packing Plan

FDR's Court-packing plan was a controversial proposal that would have increased the number of justices on the Supreme Court from nine to fifteen. Roosevelt argued that the plan was necessary to break the conservative bloc on the Court that had been striking down his New Deal programs. However, the plan was met with strong opposition from Congress and the American public. Ultimately, the plan was defeated in the Senate.

Scorpions: The Battles and Triumphs of FDR's Great Supreme Court Justice

by Noah Feldman

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2941 KB
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The "Nine Old Men"

The conservative bloc on the Supreme Court that Roosevelt sought to break was known as the "Nine Old Men." These justices were all appointed by Republican presidents and were generally opposed to Roosevelt's New Deal programs. The Nine Old Men included:

• Charles Evans Hughes
• Willis Van Devanter
• James Clark McReynolds
• George Sutherland
• Pierce Butler
• Irving Lehman
• Louis Brandeis
• Harlan Fiske Stone
• Benjamin Cardozo

Roosevelt's Appointments

Despite the failure of his Court-packing plan, Roosevelt was able to make several key appointments to the Supreme Court. These appointments would eventually lead to a more liberal Court that was more supportive of Roosevelt's New Deal programs.

One of Roosevelt's most important appointments was Hugo Black. Black was a former senator from Alabama who was known for his progressive views. Black served on the Court for over three decades and was a key member of the liberal bloc.

Another important appointment was William O. Douglas. Douglas was a former professor and government official who was known for his intellect and his commitment to social justice. Douglas served on the Court for over three decades and was a key member of the liberal bloc.

The Legacy of FDR's Appointments

Roosevelt's appointments to the Supreme Court had a profound impact on American law. The liberal bloc that Roosevelt created on the Court helped to uphold many of his New Deal programs and to advance the cause of social justice. The legacy of Roosevelt's appointments can still be seen in the Court's decisions today.

Franklin D. Roosevelt's battles with the Supreme Court were a major turning point in American history. Roosevelt's failed Court-packing plan was a controversial episode, but his subsequent appointments to the Court would have a lasting impact on American law. The liberal bloc that Roosevelt created on the Court helped to uphold many of his New Deal programs and to advance the cause of social justice. The legacy of Roosevelt's appointments can still be seen in the Court's decisions today.

Scorpions: The Battles and Triumphs of FDR's Great Supreme Court Justice

by Noah Feldman

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2941 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	448 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE