The Dred Scott Decision

Dred Scott was a slave and social activist who served several masters before suing for his freedom. His case made it to the Supreme Court prior to the American Civil War.

Roger Brooke Taney was the fifth Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, holding that office from 1836 until his death in 1864.

A Missouri slave sued for his freedom, claiming that his four year stay in the northern portion of the Louisiana Territory made free land by the Missouri Compromise had made him a free man. The U.S, Supreme Court decided he couldn't sue in federal court because he was property, not a citizen.

Justice Taney decided 1. Scott could not bring a case to court becuase as an enslaved African he was not a US citizen; 2. law considered slaves property and as such oweners could move anywhere and still own his property; 3. Missouri Compromise was against the law; Congress did not have the power to decide where slavery could be allowed.

1858 Senate Debate, Lincoln forced Douglas to debate issue of slavery, Douglas supported pop-sovereignty, Lincoln asserted that slavery should not spread to territories, Lincoln emerged as strong Republican candidate