Roger B. Taney was an American lawyer and politician who served as the Chief Justice of the United States from 1836 to 1864. He is best known for his role in the Dred Scott v. Sandford case, where the Supreme Court ruled that African Americans could not be considered citizens and that Congress had no authority to regulate slavery in the territories. This decision intensified national tensions over slavery. Born in 1777 in Maryland, Taney was a member of the Democratic Party and held various political positions, including Attorney General. His tenure as Chief Justice was marked by significant legal decisions, but his legacy is often overshadowed by the controversial rulings that contributed to the divisions leading up to the American Civil War.