Supreme Court’s Sordid Legacy
Former President George Washington was instrumental in the establishment of the Supreme Court in 1787. However, it was the Judiciary Act of 1789, which codified it into law thereby giving it power to force governmental officials to comply with the law. Washington, a slave owner, nominated six white men to serve as Justices. Of the six Justices, four also were slave owners. Thus, began the initial packing of the Supreme Court as well as its sordid legacy. […]