Content Warning: Please be aware of the use of extremely derogatory language used in this historical document.
Description
The Supreme Court decision Dred Scott v. Sandford was issued on March 6, 1857. Delivered by Chief Justice Roger Taney, this opinion declared that enslaved people were not citizens of the United States and could not sue in federal courts. In addition, this decision declared that the Missouri Compromise was unconstitutional and that Congress did not have the authority to prohibit enslavement in the territories. The Dred Scott decision was overturned by the 13th and 14th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution.
Transcript of "Visit to Dred Scott..." Article
Source-Dependent Questions
- In the U.S. Supreme Court decision of Dred Scott v. Sandford, it was declared that enslaved people were not citizens of the United States and could not sue in federal courts. In addition, this decision declared that the Missouri Compromise was unconstitutional and that Congress did not have the authority to prohibit enslavement in the territories. Compare this case to Ralph's case. What is similar about the cases? What is different? Discuss reasons why there can be differences in decisions between state Supreme Court and the U.S. Supreme court.
- Why was declaring the Missouri Compromise unconstitutional significant?
- In Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper, it states that Dred Scott was reluctant to have his likeness captured. Discuss reasons why he might not want his image available to the public.
Citation Information
Text: "Visit to Dred Scott - His Family - Incidents of His Life - Decision of the Supreme Court," Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper, 27 June 1857. Courtesy of Library of Congress
Images: Fitzgibbon, John H., "Eliza and Lizzie, Children of Dred Scott, Dred Scott; His Wife, Harriet," 1857. Courtesy of Library of Congress