Who served as the Chief Justice during the Dred Scott decision?

Roger Taney served as the Chief Justice during the Dred Scott decision, which was issued in 1857. This ruling is one of the most controversial Supreme Court decisions in American history, as it denied citizenship and constitutional rights to African American slaves and ruled that Congress had no authority to prohibit slavery in the territories. Taney's opinion expressed views reflective of the prevailing racial attitudes of the time and emphasized states' rights over federal authority regarding slavery. His leadership in this case had significant implications for the national debate over slavery and contributed to the tensions that ultimately led to the Civil War. The Dred Scott decision remains a pivotal point in discussions about equality and justice in the United States.