r B. Taney made significant contributions to American constitutional law, but the case most closely associated with him inflicted enormous injury to the court as an institution was the Dred Scott v. Sanford case of 1857. Taney held that "Slaves (and even the free descendants of slaves) were not citizens and could not sue in court, ant that Congress could not forbid slavery in the territories of the United States". While Taney is noted for his issues on slavery, Rehnquist is noted for those dealing with abortion and state's rights. Rehnquist delivered an opinion on one of the most controversial cases in the history of the United States. This case was none other than Roe v. Wade. In this case the Court ruled that a woman had the right to an abortion without interference from the government if done in the first trimester, contending that it was her right to privacy. Rehnquist delivered a dissenting opinion saying that although it was her right to privacy it was going against Texas statutes. Their views on the Dred Scott Case and Roe v. Wade have made Taney and Rehnquist two of the most notable figures in history.William H. Rehnquist's service on the Supreme court has allowed him to witness and direct a dramatic transition in political ideology. From associate justice in 1972 to his present role as chief justice, Rehnquist has struggled against liberal colleagues Brennan, Marshall, and Blackmun. Despite his struggles, as chief justice he often attracted the support of the liberal remnant of the Court. Rehnquist found inspiration in Charles Evans Hughes' practice of compromising to secure the broadest majority. In many ways, he desires to maintain high credibility. This desire contributed greatly to his success in mobilizing the Court's conservative shift. Rehnquist often battled against the expansion of federal powers just as Taney did while controlling the court in the 1800's. Although the Court under Rehnquist has accomplish...
