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The Great Dissenter: The Story of John Marshall Harlan, America's Judicial Hero

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Peter S. Canellos

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This biography tells the story of an American hero who championed civil rights and economic freedoms during the Gilded Age. John Marshall Harlan, a young union veteran from Kentucky, served on the US Supreme Court after the Civil War and became known for his powerful dissenting opinions. Despite being seen as a loner, Harlan's insights ultimately led to the end of segregation and the establishment of civil rights. He famously stated, "Our Constitution is color blind," in his dissent in Plessy v. Ferguson, where he criticized his fellow justices for denying African Americans their rights. Harlan also opposed the court's decisions that favored the wealthy, such as striking down antitrust laws and limiting states' powers to regulate labor. He took action against racial violence, ensuring justice for victims of lynching. Prize-winning journalist Peter S. Canellos explores how Harlan's unique life experiences shaped his perspective and fueled his dissent. Growing up alongside Robert Harlan, a formerly enslaved man who became a prominent figure in the Republican Party, John’s views were influenced by personal connections that differed from those of his contemporaries. This narrative illustrates the importance of dissent and how one individual's courage can create lasting change.