Thurgood Marshall’s appointment to the Supreme Court in 1967 marked more than just a historic milestone—it signaled a subtle yet significant transformation in the ideological and interpersonal dynamics of the Court itself. As the first African American justice, Marshall joined a body that had been, until then, composed exclusively of white men. His very presence brought new perspectives to the deliberations, shaped by years of advocating for civil rights in hostile courtrooms and by personal experiences that offered a firsthand understanding of systemic inequalities. Over the course of his nearly twenty-four years on the bench, he navigated changing judicial philosophies, shifting majorities, and the intricate process of forging alliances among a diverse group of justices.
This chapter explores how Marshall’s jurisprudence influenced and was influenced by the evolving composition of the Court, from the tail end of the Warren era through the Burger and Rehnquist Courts. His role in shaping key coalitions, sometimes earning majorities for progressive rulings and at other times standing firm in eloquent dissent, reflects a keen sense of how the Court could pivot on a few carefully assembled votes. In an environment where retirements, new appointments, and shifting societal pressures constantly rebalanced the judicial landscape, Marshall’s voice and voting strategies became integral to the delicate interplay of personalities and ideologies at the Supreme Court.
Yet, Marshall was never merely reactive. Through both unwavering positions on issues like the death penalty and a willingness to compromise on narrower grounds, he helped carve out doctrinal paths that reverberated well beyond his own tenure. By taking a closer look at how he interacted with chief justices and newly appointed colleagues, and how he influenced younger justices through mentorship and intellectual exchange, we gain insight into a justice whose impact on Court dynamics extended beyond the immediate outcome of individual cases.