When reflecting on the United States Supreme Court, one often thinks of the iconic building in Washington, D.C., the nine black-robed justices presiding over the Court, and the lofty implications of their rulings. Indeed, for much of American history, the Supreme Court has served as the final arbiter of the Constitution, shaping political, social, and cultural life in the United States. Within that grand narrative, few individuals stand out as prominently or as influentially as Justice Thurgood Marshall. A trailblazer on many fronts, Marshall’s very presence on the Court symbolized a broader reckoning with this country’s historical inequities, while his jurisprudential contributions laid foundations for generations of lawyers, judges, and social activists to come. This first chapter sets the stage for an in-depth exploration of Marshall’s Supreme Court legacy. In doing so, it will map out not just the historical contours of his life and career, but also the broader context in which he rose to prominence. It will conclude by outlining the purpose and scope of this book—why we have chosen to focus on his opinions, and how his jurisprudence continues to shape American law in sometimes surprising ways.