21 The Dred Scott Decision

Dred Scott Decision

A Supreme Court ruling in 1857 stating that Dred Scott, an enslaved man, was not a citizen and could not sue for his freedom.

Chief Justice Roger Taney

The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court who delivered the Dred Scott decision and ruled that no African American could be considered a citizen.

Missouri Compromise

An agreement that banned slavery in certain territories but was declared unconstitutional by the Dred Scott decision.

Citizenship and Slavery

The Dred Scott decision ruled that no African American, free or enslaved, could be an American citizen.

Fifth Amendment

A constitutional amendment stating that property cannot be taken without due process of law; used by Taney to argue against banning slavery.

Judicial Bombshells

Significant and shocking decisions made by the Supreme Court; the Dred Scott case had two main bombshells regarding Scott's citizenship and the Missouri Compromise.

Enslaved People as Property

Chief Justice Taney argued that enslaved individuals were property, leading to the ruling that Congress must protect property rights in territories.

Northern Reaction to Dred Scott Decision

Many Northerners were outraged by the Dred Scott ruling, calling it a 'wicked and false judgment'.

Slavery and Territorial Rights

The Dred Scott decision allowed slavery in all territories and asserted that banning it was unconstitutional.

Dred Scott's Legal Argument

Scott argued his stay in Wisconsin made him a free man, but the Supreme Court rejected this claim.