Dred Scott Desicion

The Dred Scott selection was an essential ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States that had a considerable influence on the situation of slavery. The case was decided in 1857 and, in effect, declared that no black–totally free or slave–could claim United States citizenship. Slaves have been viewed as property, and such had no individual suitable. Furthermore, the choice indicated that Congress could not prohibit slavery in United States territories. I think that the selection was morally incorrect and failed to recognize the rights of people to be no cost. In addition, the ruling had lots of political and social implications, aroused angry resentment in the North and led the nation a step closer to civil war. The decision was ultimately overridden just after the Civil War with the introduction and passage of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. This amendment, adopted in 1868, extended citizenship to former slaves and gave them the advantage and protection of person rights. (textbook, 295)

The Dred Scott the decision involved a slave owned by U.S. Army surgeon, John Emerson. Emerson lived in Missouri, a state that permitted slavery. In 1834, Scott went to live with Emerson in Illinois, a state that prohibited slavery. They later lived in the Wisconsin Territory, exactly where slavery was forbidden by the Missouri Compromise. In 1838, Scott returned to Missouri with Emerson. Emerson died in Missouri in 1843, and 3 years later, Scott sued the surgeon’s widow for his freedom.

Scott primarily based his suit on the argument that his former residence in a free state and a no cost territory–Illinois and Wisconsin–created him a cost-free man. A state circuit court ruled in Scott’s favor, but the Missouri Supreme Court later reversed the decision. Meanwhile, Scott had turn into legally regarded as the property of John F. A. Sanford of New York. Simply because Sanford did not reside in Missouri, Scott’s lawyers had been able to transfer the case to a federal court. This court ruled against Scott, and his lawyers then took the case to the Supreme Court. By a majority of 7 to 2, the Supreme Court ruled that Scott could not bring a suit in a federal court. Chief Justice Roger B. Taney, speaking for the majority, declared that Scott could not do so due to the fact blacks have been not U.S. citizens.

The court could have simply dismissed the case immediately after ruling on Scott’s citizenship. But there was a growing national desire for a ruling on the constitutionality…

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