--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: In 1857, Chief Justice Roger B. Taney…" description: "\"“In 1857, Chief Justice Roger B. Taney handed down the Dred Scott decision upholding and extending slavery. Taney’s opinion was, it is generally agreed..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2ef/charles-krauthammer-1232_justice_in-1857-chief-justice-roger-b-taney-hand_2877533.jpg" --- # In 1857, Chief Justice Roger B. Taney handed down the Dred… ![“In 1857, Chief Justice Roger B. Taney handed down the Dred Scott decision upholding and extending slavery. Taney’s opinion was, it is generally agreed, “the worst constitutional decision of the 19th century” (the words are Robert Bork’s). Yet there is a curious and little known fact about Judge…” quote by Charles Krauthammer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2ef/charles-krauthammer-1232_justice_in-1857-chief-justice-roger-b-taney-hand_2877533.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2ef/charles-krauthammer-1232_justice_in-1857-chief-justice-roger-b-taney-hand_2877533.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2ef/charles-krauthammer-1232_justice_in-1857-chief-justice-roger-b-taney-hand_2877533.jpg) > ““In 1857, Chief Justice Roger B. Taney handed down the Dred Scott decision upholding and extending slavery. Taney’s opinion was, it is generally agreed, “the worst constitutional decision of the 19th century” (the words are Robert Bork’s). Yet there is a curious and little known fact about Judge Taney. More than 30 years earlier he had freed his own slaves. Today, therefore, we would say that while he was “personally” opposed to slavery he did not want to “impose” his views on others.”” [Charles Krauthammer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-krauthammer/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Judge Taney’s personal emancipation conflicted with his judicial rulings, showing personal morality can diverge from public decisions. **In simple terms:** Personal beliefs may not align with official actions. Key Takeaway Recognize the gap between private values and public duties. Themes law morality history justice contradiction Mood critical thoughtful Type historical ethical When to use this quote - legal analysis - historical study - public policy debate Key Concepts cognitive dissonance institutional bias ethical complexity Questions to Reflect On - What factors cause officials to act against personal convictions? - How should societies judge past leaders with mixed legacies? A Different Perspective Historical context may alter interpretation of actions. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Dred Scott](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/dred-scott/) [Justice](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/justice/) ## Related quotes > [Why was the amendment, expressly declaring the right of the people to exclude slavery, voted down? 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