February 5 in American History
Frustrated by a Supreme Court striking down his New Deal, President Roosevelt proposed adding up to six new justices — a move to tilt the Court his way. Even his own party balked, and the plan failed. It stands as a landmark defense of judicial independence and the separation of powers, from within FDR's own side.
In 1937: FDR unveils his "court-packing" plan. Frustrated by a Supreme Court striking down his New Deal, President Roosevelt proposed adding up to six new justices — a move to tilt the Court his way.
Frustrated by a Supreme Court striking down his New Deal, President Roosevelt proposed adding up to six new justices — a move to tilt the Court his way. Even his own party balked, and the plan failed. It stands as a landmark defense of judicial independence and the separation of powers, from within FDR's own side.
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