Taney is best known for having written the decision for the controversial case Dred Scott v. Sanford 60 US 393 1857, whose outcome was one of the important factors leading to the American Civil War.
A little-known fact is that Francis Scott Key is Roger Taney's brother in-law. Taney served as Chief Justice for 28 years, the 2nd longest Chief Justiceship in U.S. history.
Taney was from Frederick, Maryland.
Named for Chief Justice Taney is Taney County, Missouri.