Roosevelt’s "Court-Packing Plan"

Definition

Roosevelt's "Court-Packing Plan" refers to his proposal in 1937 to expand the number of justices on the Supreme Court. He wanted to add up to six new justices, which would have allowed him to appoint judges sympathetic to his policies and gain more control over the judiciary.

Related terms

Judiciary Reorganization Bill: This bill was another name for Roosevelt's Court-Packing Plan. It aimed at changing the composition of the Supreme Court.

Judicial Review: The power of the courts to declare laws or actions unconstitutional.

New Deal: Roosevelt's set of economic and social programs aimed at recovering from the Great Depression. The Court-Packing Plan was seen as an attempt by Roosevelt to protect and advance his New Deal policies through judicial appointments.