Smith describes the political ideas of Chief Justice Taney and discusses his contributions to American constitutional law. Taney is revealed as a socially minded jurist who believed in the power of the whole people to regulate the affairs of life for the common good. As a political leader, Taney belongs in the democratic line that runs from Jefferson to Franklin D. Roosevelt; as a jurist he is a forerunner of Holmes and Brandeis. Originally published in 1936. A UNC Press Enduring Edition -- UNC Press Enduring Editions use the latest in digital technology to make available again books from our distinguished backlist that were previously out of print. These editions are published unaltered from the original, and are presented in affordable paperback formats, bringing readers both historical and cultural value.