"Question: Could one make the argument that Lincoln even defied a decision of the Supreme Court? Given that this seems unimaginable to us now, how is it that Lincoln managed to do this? Was this the only time in U.S. history that the president has taken this sort of liberty?"
In the 1830s the Cherokee sued for protection from the laws of Georgia on their land. They won. President Andrew Jackson said the Supreme Court made their decision; they could enforce it. Shortly thereafter the Cherokees were devided in their approach and were finally forced onto the Trail of Tears to Oklahoma. Some of my folks settled their land in North Georgia. Thankfully, they also married some of the stragglers. Stan