Abraham Lincoln delivered one of his greatest speeches
154 years ago today, on the Dred Scott decision. The speech explains the meaning of the Declaration of Independence but also the place of the Supreme Court in a democratic, self-governing society. The principles of equality and self-government demand the elimination of slavery and the containment of the Supreme Court. Lincoln's speech clearly indicates that Justice Holmes, not Chief Justice Taney, would be the worst justice
the Court has ever known.