Pronunciation: [ɹˈɒd͡ʒə bɹˈʊk tˈe͡ɪni] (IPA) 
Roger Brooke Taney was the fifth Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court, remembered chiefly for the Dred Scott decision. His last name is pronounced /ˈtɔːni/. The initial T is soft, and the vowel sound in the first syllable is "aw" as in "law". The second syllable has a long E sound as in the word "me". The final syllable has an "ee" sound. That's /ˈtɔːni/, Roger Brooke Taney.
Roger Brooke Taney was an American lawyer, judge, and politician, well-known for serving as the fifth Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court from 1836 to 1864. Born on March 17, 1777, in Calvert County, Maryland, Taney had a significant impact on American legal history, particularly through his controversial rulings and involvement in high-profile cases.
Taney's most famous decision was in the case of Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857). In this ruling, he declared that African Americans, both free and enslaved, were not citizens and therefore could not sue in federal courts. His decision effectively invalidated the Missouri Compromise of 1820, further exacerbating tensions between North and South and contributing to the lead-up to the American Civil War.
Aside from the Dred Scott case, Taney also made significant contributions to banking and property rights law. He authored the opinion in Charles River Bridge v. Warren Bridge (1837), which expanded the power of states to regulate business enterprises. However, his rulings in these areas were often criticized for being pro-slavery and pro-Southern, reflecting his own political biases.
Taney's tenure as Chief Justice lasted nearly three decades and highlighted his conservative views on slavery and states' rights. While some applaud his commitment to judicial independence, others critique his decisions for perpetuating inequality and impeding progress towards civil rights. Ultimately, Taney's legacy as a jurist remains controversial, with his contributions considered both influential and divisive within the context of American legal history.
