They existed, but NEAR like today. I had an aunt that my uncle described as being 5 feet tall 100 lbs to the foot. But he only said it when she was not around.
I can remember as a kid going to the circus and paying twenty-five cents for the sideshow to see the fat lady covered with tattoos. Today, all I need to do is go to a local diner!
It was not the US Supreme Court but the US Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit. That ruling would only affect the 6th circuit which is comprised of Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee. Maybe it will be appealed to the US Supreme Court...........maybe not.