Thesis
In retrospect, the Dred Scott v. Sandford Supreme Court case was a complete abuse of judicial power in an attempt to eliminate the rights of African-Americans once and for all. With a court dominated by sectional southerners, Scott stood no chance against the raging hatred and discrimination that was in full force during the 1850s and 1860s. In a 7-2 decision written by Chief Justice Roger B. Taney, the Supreme Court sided with the defendant, stating that African Americans were not U.S. citizens and, therefore, Scott was not allowed to file a suit in the first place. The Court also ruled the Missouri Compromise to be unconstitutional.