mar 6, 1857 - Dred Scott vs. Sandford

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Caption: An image of Dred Scott

Dred Scott, a previously enslaved man who escaped and lived in free territories, would sue for his freedom after his slaveholder died. The case made it all the way to the Supreme Court, and the case itself argued over whether Scott was legally allowed to sue for freedom in the first place, and that living in free states would make him a free man. Eventually, the outcome of the case would surprise many, as the decision stated that Dred Scott was not a citizen, meaning he had no right to sue, and that all other black people, free or enslaved, had no rights the Court was bound to respect. Furthermore, living in a free state did not make an enslaved person free, and the decision even stated that the Missouri Compromise was unconstitutional, as Congress had no right to ban slavery in territories. This case would significantly contribute towards the Civil War as the North was outraged with the outcome of the case, which essentially stated that popular sovereignty was nullified.

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