The Supreme Court of the United States is the highest court in the land. It has the final say on all legal matters and is responsible for interpreting the Constitution. In 1973, the Supreme Court made a landmark decision that would change the course of history. But who were the Justices that made this decision?
Chief Justice
The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court in 1973 was Warren E. Burger. He was appointed by President Richard Nixon in 1969 and served as Chief Justice until 1986. Burger was known for his conservative views and strict interpretation of the Constitution.
Associate Justices
In addition to the Chief Justice, there were eight Associate Justices on the Supreme Court in 1973. They were:
- William J. Brennan Jr.
- William O. Douglas
- Thurgood Marshall
- Potter Stewart
- Byron White
- Lewis F. Powell Jr.
- Harry A. Blackmun
- William H. Rehnquist
These Associate Justices had a variety of backgrounds and legal philosophies. William J. Brennan Jr. was known for his liberal views and support for individual rights. William O. Douglas was the longest-serving Justice in Supreme Court history and was known for his environmental advocacy. Thurgood Marshall was the first African American Justice on the Supreme Court and was a leading figure in the civil rights movement.
The Roe v. Wade Case
In 1973, the Supreme Court made a landmark decision in the case of Roe v. Wade. The case involved a Texas woman named Jane Roe who wanted to have an abortion. At the time, Texas law prohibited abortions except to save the life of the mother.
The Supreme Court's decision was a 7-2 ruling in favor of Roe. The Court held that a woman has a constitutional right to choose to have an abortion. This decision legalized abortion throughout the United States and remains one of the most controversial decisions in Supreme Court history.
The Justices' Views on Roe v. Wade
The Justices on the Supreme Court in 1973 had a variety of views on the Roe v. Wade decision. Justices Brennan, Douglas, Marshall, Stewart, and White all voted in favor of Roe. Justices Powell and Blackmun also voted in favor of Roe, although they had reservations about the scope of the decision.
Chief Justice Burger and Justice Rehnquist were the two Justices who dissented in the Roe v. Wade decision. They both believed that the decision should have been left to the individual states to decide.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court Justices in 1973 were a diverse group with different backgrounds and legal philosophies. Their decision in the Roe v. Wade case remains one of the most controversial in Supreme Court history. The decision legalized abortion throughout the United States and continues to be a hotly debated issue today.