After the death of Roosevelt, the relationships and ideas of FDR’s justices diverged. In part, due to a series of unfortunate events, such as the Republicans taking back the Senate and House, the weak Harry Truman in office, and numerous personal frustrations, contempt bred rapidly among the justices (306). Where once bonds held these men together, the justices became bitter enemies. While none of the justices were actual “friends,” camps, or alliances, seemed to form on the bench. On one side were Justices Frankfurter and Jackson, the other Justices Black and Douglas. The justices did not keep their opinions of one another to themselves. Justice Frankfurter dubbed Justices Douglas, Black, and Murphy “the axis,” while Douglas nicknamed Frankfurter “Der Fuehrer” (306). The many vendettas and “friendships” amongst the men may have very well influenced voting behavior on the bench, out of either spite or alliance
After the death of Roosevelt, the relationships and ideas of FDR’s justices diverged. In part, due to a series of unfortunate events, such as the Republicans taking back the Senate and House, the weak Harry Truman in office, and numerous personal frustrations, contempt bred rapidly among the justices (306). Where once bonds held these men together, the justices became bitter enemies. While none of the justices were actual “friends,” camps, or alliances, seemed to form on the bench. On one side were Justices Frankfurter and Jackson, the other Justices Black and Douglas. The justices did not keep their opinions of one another to themselves. Justice Frankfurter dubbed Justices Douglas, Black, and Murphy “the axis,” while Douglas nicknamed Frankfurter “Der Fuehrer” (306). The many vendettas and “friendships” amongst the men may have very well influenced voting behavior on the bench, out of either spite or alliance