"The Dred Scott decision completely changed the entire outlook of the United States for both the North and the South."
-Roy Finkenbine, Professor of History at the University of Detroit-Mercy, E-mail interview
-Roy Finkenbine, Professor of History at the University of Detroit-Mercy, E-mail interview
Beginning in 1853, Scott sued his current owner John Sanford in federal court. Once again, the jury found in favor of the defendant. Scott then decided to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Interestingly, President-elect James Buchanan played a major role in the case by pressuring members of the Court to join the Southern majority. Finally, on March 6, 1857, Chief Justice Roger Taney delivered the opinion of the Court. It stated African-Americans could not be citizens. Therefore, Scott was not even allowed to file a suit. It also ruled that the Missouri Compromise was unconstitutional. This set the country ablaze in riot.
Interestingly, President-elect James Buchanan played a major role in the case by pressuring members of the Court to join the Southern majority. Finally, on March 6, 1857, Chief Justice Roger Taney delivered the opinion of the Court. It stated African-Americans could not be citizens. Therefore, Scott was not even allowed to file a suit. It also ruled that the Missouri Compromise was unconstitutional. This set the country ablaze in riot.