The landmark case of Roe Vs Wade was decided by the Supreme Court in 1973. The decision was a historic moment for women's rights in the United States, as it legalized abortion across the country. The case was decided by a 7-2 vote, with the majority of the justices ruling in favor of Roe.
The Justices
The Supreme Court is made up of nine justices, who are appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the Senate. At the time of the Roe Vs Wade decision, the court was made up of the following justices:
- Chief Justice Warren Burger
- Justice William O. Douglas
- Justice William J. Brennan Jr.
- Justice Potter Stewart
- Justice Byron White
- Justice Thurgood Marshall
- Justice Harry A. Blackmun
- Justice Lewis F. Powell Jr.
- Justice William Rehnquist
Of these nine justices, seven voted in favor of Roe Vs Wade. These seven justices were Burger, Douglas, Brennan, Stewart, White, Marshall, and Blackmun. Powell and Rehnquist voted against the decision.
The Majority Opinion
The majority opinion in the Roe Vs Wade case was written by Justice Blackmun. In the opinion, he argued that the right to privacy, which is not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution, includes a woman's right to choose to have an abortion. He also argued that the state has a legitimate interest in protecting the health of the mother and the potential life of the fetus, but that these interests are not strong enough to override the woman's right to choose.
Blackmun's opinion was joined by Burger, Douglas, Brennan, Stewart, Marshall, and White.
The Dissenting Opinion
The dissenting opinion in the Roe Vs Wade case was written by Justice Rehnquist. In his opinion, he argued that the Constitution does not explicitly protect the right to privacy, and that the decision to legalize abortion should be left up to the states. He also argued that the majority opinion was based on flawed reasoning and that it would have far-reaching consequences for the country.
Powell joined Rehnquist in his dissenting opinion.
The Impact of Roe Vs Wade
The Roe Vs Wade decision had a profound impact on American society. It made abortion legal across the country, and it established a woman's right to choose as a constitutional right. The decision has been controversial ever since it was made, with many people arguing that it should be overturned or modified.
Despite this controversy, Roe Vs Wade remains one of the most important Supreme Court decisions in American history. It has influenced countless other court cases and has had a significant impact on the political and social landscape of the United States.
The Future of Roe Vs Wade
The future of Roe Vs Wade is uncertain. The decision has been challenged many times since it was made, and there are currently several cases making their way through the court system that could have an impact on the ruling.
Some people argue that Roe Vs Wade should be overturned or modified, while others believe that it should be upheld as a fundamental constitutional right. The issue of abortion is likely to remain a controversial and divisive topic in American politics for many years to come.
Conclusion
The Roe Vs Wade decision was a historic moment for women's rights in the United States. The decision legalized abortion across the country and established a woman's right to choose as a constitutional right. The decision was made by a 7-2 vote, with the majority of the justices ruling in favor of Roe. The decision has had a profound impact on American society and remains one of the most important Supreme Court decisions in American history.