We often hear of the role of the President and Congress during the Civil War, but how did the judicial branch alter the course of history during this period?

This month's program will explore the rulings of the Supreme Court that impacted the war, including the famous Dred Scott decision. It will also cover the backgrounds of the justices serving during this era; Lincoln's assessment of the Supreme Court (including the habeas corpus dispute with Chief Justice Taney); and Lincoln's use of his appointment power to fill vacancies. The interplay of the executive and judicial branches during the Civil War both mirrored previous clashes and foreshadowed subsequent disputes.

Our speaker this month is our own Round Table member, Kelly Cromer. Kelly works as a Deputy District Attorney for Los Angeles County, and steadfastly travels to our meetings from the Antelope Valley. She also has experience as a legal researcher and writer for the legal publishing firm of Matthew-Bender.

Most of our members know Kelly as the bidding power behind our very successful book auctions for the cause of battlefield preservation. Her support and spirited bidding have added hundreds of dollars to our Round Table's auction donations for this worthwhile cause.

Please join us as we learn more about this unique area of Civil War legal studies.

Janet Whaley
Program Chair

 

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